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Table of ContentsConference Information
Conference Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside CoverMap of Maple Grove EFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back
CoverGeneral Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Our Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Our Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ReportsDistrict Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7List of NCD Board of Directors & District Ministry Councils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Church Planting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Church Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Pastoral Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Credentials Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Mission Mobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Family and Children’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Student Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Women’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Senior Adult Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19NCD Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Partner Ministries ReportsShamineau Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Deeper Life Bible Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Elim Care, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Conference Action ItemsConference Action Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Proposed Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Church Seeking Affiliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
MiscellaneousMark Your Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Pastors Teaching Conference & Project Purity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Pastor Cluster Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Licensing Discussion Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40NCD Staff Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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Welcome!Welcome to the 2010 Annual Conference of the North Central District! We are glad you’re here. May the conference be a rich and stimulating time of fellowship, learning, and refreshment for you. We hope you’ll renew some old friendships and make some new.
Our HostsMaple Grove EFC has opened their facility and their hearts to us. Pass your thanks on to Russ Berg and the rest of the MGEFC staff.. They are expressing first-rate hospitality. They have their hands full, too, as registration is heavy and the fellowship area is maxed out for meals. They also have a beautiful campus, connected to a 4-mile walk around the pond.
Off-Site MealsConference registration has exceeded meal capacity this year. If you are not included in the meal plan you can find restaurants nearby and throughout the city of Maple Grove. A list of restaurants is found at the registration table.
Book TablesNextStep Resources is located in the Kids Zone opposite the worship center. Pete Scazzero has a book table to the right of the registration area featuring resources on emotionally healthy spirituality. There you can find the Churchwide Initiative Kit, the Small Group Leaders Pack, and other resources as well as Peter Scazzero’s two main books, The Emotionally Healthy Church (expanded 2010 edition), and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
Some Business Meeting MattersOne of the matters on which we will be voting is final adoption of the new EFCA Statement of Faith as the district’s statement of faith. The second of the two votes necessary, per our bylaws, will be held on Tuesday morning.
In keeping with our newly revised bylaws, eligibility for voting at the business meeting has been tightened up. You must be a duly authorized conference delegate in order to be eligible to vote. Conference delegates have a orange dot on their nametag. Only individuals with a orange dot on their nametag will be able to vote. If you have not yet registered as a delegate, please do so at the registration counter by 9 pm on Monday.
Shamineau LunchThe annual meeting of Shamineau Ministries will follow our last conference session on Tuesday. If you registered for this meal, you have a designation on your nametag. If not, talk to Herb at the Shamineau display to determine if there are any extra spots.
Enjoy!If you have questions or needs, see us at the registration table. May the Lord give us a significant and fruitful time together at this year’s conference.
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Our Speaker: Peter Scazzero
Peter Scazzero is the founder and senior pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York City, a multiracial international church representing over 65 countries. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary (M.Div.) and Eastern Baptist Seminary (D.Min. in marriage and family), Pete is the author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Nelson, 2006), The Emotionally Healthy Church (Zondervan, 2003; expanded edition 2010), and Daily Office: Remembering God’s Presence Throughout the Day (Willow Creek Resources, 2008). Pete has been married to his best friend, Geri, for 23 years. They have four daughters—Maria, Christy, Faith, and Eva. He loves libraries, bookstores, and the printed page—on almost any topic. Basketball, hiking and the outdoors (thanks to Geri), laughter, Italian opera, history, and great meals with family are among his greatest joys. Pete and Geri are co-founders of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
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Our ExhibitorsAll Exhibitors can be found in the “Kids’ Zone” on the main level
Christian InvestorsCIF is your EFCA ministry’s financial partner. We offer competitive investment rates, mortgage loans, capital campaigns and various other consultative services – all with a ministry understanding and focus. Stop by and visit with Kari Boyce and Scott Achterling. www.ChristianInvestors.org.
EFCA ReachGlobalAs Mission Network Director for EFCA ReachGlobal, Craig McClun develops and
resources the EFCA Missions Pastors and Missions Leaders Network that engages churches in global outreach with one another. Craig, along with his CONNECT teammates, also helps churches develop effective, global missions strategies. Contact Craig at [email protected] or 651.434.9387. For a missions strategy seminar visit www.efca.org/files/brochure/efca-connect/dmsfc.pdf
EFCA TouchGlobalThe Mission of EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response is “to develop, empower and release the Body of Christ to share God’s love in times of crisis for multiplying healthy churches among all people.” We invite you to explore partnerships, resources and training that will help your church be more prepared for responding to local, regional and national crises. Our goal is to build a network of EFCA churches that can join together in times of need for the purpose of rebuilding homes, lives and
advancing Christ’s Kingdom! --Mary Held: [email protected]
Elim Care, Inc.Elim Care, a not-for-profit faith-based senior housing and healthcare ministry, is affiliated with and endorsed by the Evangelical Free Church
of America. Elim gives care through independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa. We employ over 2200 people including 20 chaplains who provide spiritual care for residents, families and staff members. Elim also supports and encourages a ministry of care through Faith Community Nursing (FCN) in local churches. At the Elim Care booth find out how we can assist you, members of your family or your church. Get your blood pressure checked too! --Ed Bender ([email protected]) and Mary Vander Werf ([email protected])
Family/Children’s MinistriesEFCA Family & Children’s Ministries provides consultation, resources and networking to help the local church equip and build homes and ministries so that children, through families partnering with the church, grow to become productive and obedient disciples of Jesus Christ. Visit with the NCD contact for this council to see how we can help your ministries to children and families grow stronger and healthier! --Julie Andersen, [email protected]
FCMMFCMM RETIREMENT PLAN – Is your church fully compliant with new IRS regulations now enforced in 2010? Does the church have a plan document in place? These issues must be addressed NOW! FCMM
can still assist you with all compliancy issues by providing an excellent retirement plan that works for your entire staff. Stop by our display or see our web page www.efca.org/fcmm --John Herman, [email protected]
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EFCA Pastoral Care MinistriesThe mission of EFCA Pastoral Care Ministries is to provide access to the practical resources and pastoral care that will enable pastors to serve with excellence over a sustained period of time. Fundamental to the initiatives
of Pastoral Care Ministries is support from the EFCA Ministerial Association. For over 125 years the 1500 members of the association have supported each other through addressing areas of mutual concern. –John Herman, [email protected]
Intentional Discipleship “Unleash the Disciplemaking Power of your Church!” Join us for one of the upcoming DisciplePath Church Training workshops (May 1st and 22nd) or host a workshop at your church. We will help you 1) Promote spiritual growth, 2) fuel evangelistic passion, 3) boost small group participation, 4) increase overall commitment and Grow Your Church! -- David D. Durey NCD Church Health, 763-213-4814, www.IntentionalDiscipleship.net
Mission MobilizerSteve and Kathy Austvold work as NCD Mission Mobilizers. Our passion is to help local EFCs grow into Great Commission churches. Let us know how we can help your church to be strategic in your mission effort both locally and globally. We offer local and regional mission training events and are developing mission networking in the NCD. Come to our booth and see our new mission initiatives. [email protected], [email protected]
NextStep ResourcesNextStep Resources’’ mission is “Helping people take the next step in their relationship with Jesus Christ through the best in Christian resources!”. They specialize in these five ministry areas: church leaders, Bible study and small group resources, children and family ministry, youth ministry, and general Christ books. www.nsresources.com, 800-444-2665. Stop by and visit Aaron Uran, [email protected]
NCD Pastoral CarePastoral care is about helping pastors and their spouses, not just survive, but thrive in ministry for the glory of God and their own joy and wellbeing. Joyful, healthy pastors will lead others to the same experience. Pastoral care is about guiding pastors and their spouses into the presence of God, our Good Shepherd, who cares for us like no one else can. We emphasize Sabbath Rest because we believe it is one of the most helpful disciplines fostering a life changing relationship with God. A second way God shepherds His own
is through a network of peers. Through these relationships we often come to understand ourselves more accurately, and mature in our relationship with God, spouse, and the people we serve.–Jim Anderson, [email protected]; Kelley Johnson, [email protected]
Shamineau/Rock Ridge
Camp Shamineau located near Brainerd, MN and Rock Ridge Camp located near Ely, MN exist to meet the retreat and camping needs of your congregation whether it’s in Camp Shamineau’s year-round facility with retreat housing, horses, and gymnasium or in Rock Ridge’s more rustic setting on the shores of beautiful Little Long Lake just one portage out of the Minnesota/Canada boundary waters with its cabin housing, canoes, and full service dining hall. Check www.shamineau.org for contact information, pictures, and details on camp-programmed retreats or rental group information. --Herb Bloomquist, [email protected]; Larry Johnson, [email protected]; & Troy Zakaraisen, [email protected]
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Student MinistriesGlenn Olson, NCD student ministries director, wants to help youth workers be their best. Stop by to chat with Glenn about leadership development, communication, conferences, and prayer mobilization to aid all youth workers. Check out the schedule of learning communities available to all youth workers. Ask Glenn for current prayer request for the April 23-25 District Blitz Conference where 1500 students and youth leaders will gather in Rochester to hear from speaker Bob Lenz and worship by Mark Alan and band. --Glenn Olson, [email protected]. www.ncdyouth.com
Trinity International University & Trinity Evangelical Divinity SchoolTrinity International University (TIU) is committed to the same vision with which we were founded in 1897 and determined to follow in the footsteps of the great universities that were founded on the cornerstone belief that all wisdom lies in Jesus Christ. Our task, if we are to be salt in the world of our day, is to build institutions where we can think like Christians and learn to live as Christians in a culture in which both have become equally hard. Whether preparing to be pastors or missionaries or attorneys, teachers, counselors, scientists, corporate leaders, homemakers or public servants, whatever our calling under God, we
need excellence in education, grounded in the lordship of Jesus Christ. That is the goal and task of Trinity. www.tiu.edu.
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) is a learning community dedicated to the development of servant leaders for the global church, leaders who are spiritually, biblically, and theologically prepared to engage contemporary culture for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. www.tiu.edu/divinity. Stop by and visit with Carl Johnson, [email protected]
Trinity Western UniversityTrinity Western University is our EFCA university located in Langley, British Columbia, just outside of beautiful Vancouver. It serves students from all across North America and from around the world. Manning the TWU booth will be Dwight Johnson, a native Minnesotan who has served at TW for nearly 36 years! Please stop
by and say hi, and pick up information on any of the many undergraduate and graduate programs offered there. --Dwight Johnson, [email protected]. www.twu.ca
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District Superintendent’s ReportOn one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I
do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied, “How do you read it?”
He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-27, NIV
Article 8 of the EFCA Statement of Faith contains this sentence: “God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor, and justice for the oppressed.” The NCD Board of Directors and this District Superintendent have a high degree of interest in this being more than ink on a page. We have been prayerfully seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to envision and implement what we affectionately refer to as “Article 8 Initiatives.”
This will entail equipping, mobilizing and coaching a multi-generational volunteer force, ranging from twenty-somethings to Encore second-halfers, who may be currently under-utilized in our local church ministries, in gospel-driven, “Article 8 Initiatives” of compassion and care, who focus upon the needs of vulnerable people, seniors, disabled, disadvantaged, in communities and neighborhoods possibly unreached by our existing local church ministries.
One premise is that needs caused by economic distress, political unrest, unsustainable Health and Human Services, such as Medicare, and the like, present a significant opportunity for the Body of Christ to mobilize holistic ministry initiatives, for the sake of the Gospel, in accord with Great Commandment, Great Commission priorities.
Missional Concept: that we as Evangelical Free Churches lead the way in collaborating with like-minded followers of Christ to equip and mobilize a multitude of called, gifted, and trained individuals within local churches, as workers in the harvest, to address vital needs among vulnerable people groups within our communities through holistic ministry initiatives, bringing the power of God to bear in faithfulness, humility, and Spirit-filled obedience to the Great Commandment and Great Commission.
Efforts are underway to launch a collaborative effort by our local churches, the board and staff of the North Central District, EFCA ReachNational and Reconciliation ministries, Elim Care, LifeWind International, and a growing number of other like-minded partners, in coordinated, strategic district-wide ministry initiatives to, by God’s grace and for His glory, make Article 8 a growing reality. Will you join us in “the revolution”?
Here are some events that will fuel your Great Commission and Great Commandment priorities:
May 1 – Fight Club 2010, Fighting for Gospel Transformation in the Lives of Men, hosted by Antioch Community Church and Hope Community Church and Acts 29 Network
May 22 – A Trusted Friend When It Matters Most, care-ministry coordinator training provided by New Hope Church – contact the NCD office for registration information
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May 22 – Intentional Discipleship Workshop by Dr. David Durey, Brooklyn Park EFC
July 8 – Neighborhood Transformation Vision Seminar by Dr. Stan Rowland of LifeWind International and Dr. Tom Cairns of EFCA ReachGlobal
October 4-5 – Pastors Teaching Conference on Article 8 with Dr. Steve Goold, Sr. Pastor of New Hope Church, and a panel discussion including Dr. Alvin Sanders, Executive Director of Reconciliation & (W)Holistic Ministries
In 2009, we welcomed into our NCD fellowship Living Hope EFC of Edgerton and Harvest Community Church of Litchfield. I regret to report the dissolution of Harvest Church of Hugo, Solid Rock of Farmington, Hancock EFC of Hancock, MN and Twin Cities Chinese EFC of Minneapolis.
Andy O’Rourke, Director of the Antioch Initiative and lead pastor of Antioch Community Church says, “This has been an exciting ministry year for the NCD’s Antioch Initiative (AI), which is a vision to identify, develop, and deploy young leaders for kingdom ministry. In addition to Antioch Community Church in Northeast Minneapolis, Trinity City Church is a church plant in St. Paul that embodies the AI vision to train up young leaders for ministry, start new churches, and impact the city with the gospel of Christ.”
Staff transitions in 2009 included our Financial Manager, Sara O’Rourke, pursued employment in business, and our entire Antioch Initiative Team – Andy O’Rourke, Jamie Buchanan are now fully employed by Antioch Community Church. And most recently, Coley Bloomquist, who serves with them as Women’s Mobilizer, is also returning full-time to school in the fall. We continue to enjoy a warm relationship and strong affinity in mission and vision.
It is vital to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors, who give direction to me personally and to the ministry. They are a delight to work with and make many significant contributions to the ministry throughout the year. Also, I cannot say enough about the staff team that God has assembled in the NCD. Each person is a high-capacity individual, uniquely gifted by God and suited for their respective area of ministry. We enjoy genuine camaraderie, as we pull together toward commonly held values and vision.
I want to also acknowledge those ministries being led by volunteers, as well. I am grateful to Julie Andersen for her capable servant leadership at all levels of Family and Children’s Ministries. Thanks, too, to Kathy, Shirley and Ardie and the Women’s Ministries Council and regional Networkers who provide training and resources district-wide. I appreciate Tim Johnson and the Senior Adult Council for providing direction, inspiration and fellowship for multiple generations of senior adults. We are very blessed by all those who faithfully apply their gifts and talents to healthier district ministry!
To God be the glory for all things He has done!
Tom Mouw
Superintendent
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NCD Board of Directors and District Ministry Councils
Board of DirectorsAnderson, Scott (2010) Minnetonka church plantBrown, Jim & Irene (2011) Cushing, Lincoln EFCDahl, Robert (Ex-Officio) Elim Care, Inc., PresidentMyles, David (2010) Brooklyn Park EFCPeterson, Rick & Linda (2012) Granada, East Chain EFCVanLoon, Dan (2012) Fairbault EFCYoung, Ken (2011) New Hope Church
Church Planting CouncilBrown, Jeff Olivia, Grace CommunityCole, Carlyn Sauk Centre, Harvest CommunityO’Rourke, Andy Minneapolis, Antioch CommunitySorvik, Jeff Duluth, Anchor Point Community
Council on Ministerial Standing (COMS)(Restructuring in Process)
Linde, David NCD, Forest Lake, Centennial EFCRoberts, Don Stillwater EFC (retired)Sorensen, Kevin Rochester, Cornerstone EFC
Student Ministries Council (www.ncdyouth.com)Aust, Brad Baxter, Lakewood EFCBjornrud, Lon St Francis, Living Hope EFCBostrom, David Maplewood, 1st EFC, District Blitz DirectorBrown, Darin Rochester, Calvary EFCBuchanan, Jamie NCD, Minneapolis, Antioch Community ChurchDeck, Jeremy New Hope, New Hope EFCHunter, Tim Granada, East Chain EFCJohnson, Larry Camp ShamineauMcFarland, Justin Pelican Rapids, Calvary EFCOlson, Glenn NCD, Hastings, New Life EFC Shreve, Cory Annandale EFC
Women’s Ministries Council Henderson, Shirley Plymouth, Wayzata EFCSwanson, Ardie NCD, Minneapolis, First EFC MplsWhite, Kathy Maple Grove EFC
Pastoral Care CouncilAnderson, Jim NCD, Baxter, Lakewood EFCJohnson, Chris Waseca, Christ CommunityJohnson, Dean Coon Rapids EFCJohnson, Kelley Olivia, Grace CommunityKiel, David Maple Grove EFC, Elim CareLightner, Dave Windom EFCPankratz, Jeff Alexandria, Lake CommunitySahlstrom, Tom Milaca EFCSatterlie, Bob Pelican Rapids, Calvary EFCWillman, Larry St. Paul, Payne Ave EFCWinchell, Joel Two Harbors EFCWadsworth, Dennis Fertile, Hope EFC
Missions CouncilAustvold, Steve NCD, Fergus Falls, Cornerstone EFCGagnon, Jeff Brooklyn Park EFCSkoglund, Derrick Northfield EFC
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Pastoral Care ReportPastoral Care Vision: Pastors with personal, joyful, and authentic relationships with Jesus, their spouses, families and the leadership of the churches they serve, so as to have enduring and fruitful ministries in NCD churches.Pastoral Care Mission: Encourage and support pastors and spouses by creating opportunities for: strengthening their relationships with God and their families, establishing wholesome and authentic friendships, and providing counsel and support in the inevitable crises of life and pastoral ministry.Seven Years: The development of the pastoral care ministry of the North Central District has been my focus for the past seven years. With Lois at my side, I can honestly say that we enjoy loving and assisting pastoral families more each day. I believe the key to life and ministry embraces Jesus Christ as the One Who not only saves, but also satisfies.
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.Psalm 90:14
Project Purity: Pastoral Care Ministries has allied with Project Purity, an NCD initiative designed to protect and direct pastors and parishioners away from the allure and devastation of pornography. While internet accountability technology provides protection for the eyes, seeking satisfaction in Christ early and often protects the heart (Proverbs 4:23).Pastoral Care Emails: Each year, Pastoral Care provides help to pastors in the form of encouragement emails. In 2009 we addressed what has been referred to as “The Dark Night of the Soul.” Pastors and parishioners alike will testify to difficult, dry, dark times when God weaned them of self-trust and infused a greater confidence that He remains good and great no matter what happens in life. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is now the focus of these emails and the 2010 District Conference. I am indebted to Peter Scazzero for unearthing topics of spiritual and emotional health that have been buried beneath whirlwinds of church activity for far too many decades.Recovery Churches: Lakewood EFC of Baxter, Constance EFC of Andover, Willmar EFC, and Maple Grove EFC have faithfully served as recovery churches for the past year. Recovery churches commit themselves to a labor of love, assisting ministry families in extenuating circumstances. The success of any recovery ministry is dependant not only on the perceptive provision of the church recovery team but also on the cooperative response of the pastor and or family with the special needs. For more information regarding Recovery Churches go to the EFCA National Office website: www.efca.org.Pastoral Care Training: Pastoral Care provides training for churches and leadership teams on the topic of the “Care and Feeding of Shepherds.” This training can be done in a variety of ways designed to suit the individual needs of a church. Topics include setting and protecting boundaries, salary questions, prayer teams, and encouragement.Pastoral Care Assistant: Kelley Johnson continues to serve half-time as my Pastoral Care Assistant. With the recent resignation of Pastor Jeff Brown, Kelley anticipates having additional responsibilities with his other half-time pastoral role at Grace Community Church in Olivia. For Kelley and his wife, Jola, our appreciation for their friendship and servant leadership grows with each opportunity to work together in the care of pastoral families. Pastoral Care Point Persons: Eighteen active pastor clusters exist throughout the district. These monthly or bi-monthly meetings serve as a means of providing training, prayer, fellowship and care for pastors. Identifying a pastoral care point person for each cluster is the goal of Pastoral Care Ministries. Since pastor clusters provide one of the first waves of care to pastors throughout the district, it is recommended that all pastors attend one in their area. Ask your pastor if he attends his regional pastor cluster regularly. Sabbath Retreats: With the valuable assistance of the Johnsons, Lois and I have facilitated four Sabbath retreats for pastors, pastoral couples, and other ministry leaders since the last district conference. Our next Sabbath retreat is scheduled for June 6-8 at Timber Bay Retreat Center near Mille Lac Lake. Lois also conducted a successful Sabbath retreat for the women of Lakewood EFC in Baxter, MN. I have been asked to return to West Africa Theological Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria, to teach The Theology of Rest as I did in 2008. As an increasing number of God’s people worldwide value the role rest plays for all of life and ministry, I am convinced that God’s church will produce healthier disciples who become more productive in fulfilling God’s agenda until the return of Christ.
Together in Christ, Jim Anderson, Director of Pastoral Care
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Church Planting ReportJesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four more months and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” – John 4:35
Why is it so easy as Followers of Jesus and His church to be sidetracked from the task that Jesus was here to do and specifically left for us to do? Reaching the lost! Could one reason be that we have misunderstood and have not personally applied one of the last commands Jesus gave his disciples-- ‘Make Disciples’? Throughout his ministry, he was intentionally training them as disciples and in the multiplication of disciples. Disciple-making is essential for the healthy growth of churches. Without the multiplication of disciples, we will not be effective in reaching our world where God has planted us, as individuals or churches.
NCD church planting continues to focus on ‘Churches planting Churches’ through the multiplication of disciples, leaders, and pastors. It has been exciting to see how God has led several churches to start the process of sending out a church. Other churches have adopted a church planter and are assisting and supporting this church plant. The result of ‘churches planting churches’ is so beneficial. The new church receives oversight, prayer support, people, and financial support while the sending church is revitalized in their vision, outreach to a new community and the opportunity to see God working in them as the new church grows. This is truly a win-win. As your district leader, I look forward to coming alongside churches throughout the district to assist you in your multiplication process, whether that is intentional disciple-making or the sending out of new church.
The Church Multiplication Overview (CMO) is an eight hour seminar that several churches have found to be very helpful in understanding God’s heart to reach your world, make disciples, better understand multiplication, and the life cycle of the church. We would enjoy the privilege of serving your fellowship by presenting a CMO at your church. Contact me if you are interested.
This year at our district conference, we welcome Pastor Kyle Eaton and the Rock Hill Community Church in Duluth, into our association, daughter church of Anchor Point Community Church, also in Duluth.
Looking ahead, it is so encouraging to see what God is doing in our district: Bemidji (Crossing Waters Church) is going public in April 2010. Hope Church, Glenwood-Starbuck, started multiple sites in Glenwood and Starbuck September
2009 and will be starting a church in Alexandria in April 2010. In the Minnetonka area, a Home Church movement is developing. St. Paul (Trinity City Church) started core group training September ‘09 and will begin public
worship fall 2010. Crosby-Ironton (Life Spring Church), daughter of Lakewood EFC of Baxter, started core group
training in October 09. Melrose (Birch Hills Community Church), daughter of Harvest Community Church, Sauk Centre,
started core group training in March 2010. South Suburban EFC of Apple Valley has a core group preparing to plant in Rosemount. Brooklyn Park EFC is recruiting a core group for a daughter church. Virginia Church plant is presently recruiting a core team under the care of Anchor Point Duluth
and the Northeast Cluster. New Ulm church plant, a daughter of Mankato EFC, is seeking a church planting pastor.
Our ‘Churches within a Church’ continue to thrive and grow as an effective way to reach out to our Latino culture. This year we have started the Gateway Training in our district. Gateway is a church based theological training focusing on the EFCA Statement of Faith. The current training is presented in Spanish for those in Latino ministry. God is doing a great work.
I want to thank everyone, churches and individuals, who have faithfully ministered with us through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.
Dan MooseDirector of Church Planting
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Church Resources ReportPlacement
The main development in placement ministry this past year has been the EFCA’s adoption of Ask…Seek…Knock as the standard resource recommended to districts and churches for help in pastoral searches. Ask…Seek…Knock is a very helpful handbook written by Ken Moberg, superintendent of the Forest Lakes District. We have been adapting the guidelines we have used in the past to Ken’s booklet, and we anticipate that churches will find this new material quite useful. As always, this past year we helped a number of churches in their search for a senior, solo, or associate pastor. A list of pastoral changes can be found on page ____ of this report book.
Credentialing
Although we had a dozen licensing papers submitted at the end of 2008 to get in under the deadline for writing under the old Statement of Faith, there were few credentialing papers turned in during 2009. Credentialing updates can be seen on page ___ of this report book.
The Council on Ministerial Standing is “under reconstruction” as we seek to revamp the credentialing delivery system. I have enjoyed the help of a number of ordained pastors around the district who have assisted with licensing interviews and certification councils.
After several years of development, Project Purity is now officially being rolled out through the pastor clusters around the district. It is being launched in two stages. The first is a challenge to all pastors and churches to use internet accountability software. The second is a voluntary “Pathway Toward Freedom.” Watch for the launch of Project Purity in your pastor cluster, or through standard district communication after the initial rollout.
Licensing discussion groups are going strong in several locations throughout the district. Mentors of these groups are guiding the participants toward licensing or certification in the EFCA, and exploring with those participants how theology connects to life and ministry.
Area Ministry
I continue to enjoy two pastor clusters, Princeton (Hwy. 169 area) and North Branch (I-35 area), where I attend about fifty percent of the time, joining in the fellowship and offering pastoral resources along the way.
Thanks
Tom and Ardie have greatly helped me this past year as they have taken on a significant share of the placement ministry to allow me to finish work on Project Purity. The extra load they bore has been bearing fruit. Ardie, Coley, and Mindy continue to do first-rate support work of various kinds. District ministry leans heavily on them.
Thanks for the privilege of serving you!
Dave LindeChurch Resources Director
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Pastoral ChangesApril 2009—March 2010
New Senior/Solo PastorsBerget, Ron Alexandria, Lake Community ChurchOlson, Todd Maplewood, First EFCOlson, Tom Robinsdale, Faith EFCPenwell, Lanny Hutchinson EFCSinclair, Brian Rogers, New Joy EFCWilliams, David Osceola, WI, Hope EFC
New Church Planting PastorsAnderson, Eric Crosby/Ironton, Life SpringErickson, Kevin VirginiaKlassen, Paul Melrose, Birch HillLundberg, Mike Bemidji, Cross WatersMidura, Floyd Minnetonka
New Associates (partial listing)Atkins, Greg Austin, Faith EFC, youthBungum, Phil Owatonna, Cornerstone, youthCarlson, Jason Lindstrom, Lakes EFC, youthCrocker, Dan Crosslake EFC, associateCupery, David Oakdale, Hope EFC, adultsDanielson, Kyle LaCrescent EFC, associateFann, Jim Lindstrom, Lakes EFC, associateFlatten, Joel Morris EFC, administrationFleming, James Fairmont, Bethel EFC, youthGraves, Bart Morris EFC, youthHalstead, Phil Lakeville, Trinity EFC, worshipHoward, Mike Andover, Constance EFC, youthHurley, Kaleb Albert Lea, Crossroads EFC, worshipKrueger, Teresa Morris EFC, childrenLong, Trevor Monticello, Hope EFC, youthMahoney, Kelley Glenwood-Starbuck, Hope CC, associateMesserer, Jay Willmar, EFC of Willmar, worshipMetkowski, Mike Elk River, River of Life EFC, youthMiller, Ben Hastings, New Life EFC, youthOsorio, Jorge Monticello, Hope EFC, HispanicRodriguez, Samuel Willmar, EFC of Willmar, HispanicSantillan, Phil Maple Grove EFC, worshipSchmitz, Kyle Eden Prairie, Prairie Hill EFC, youthSommerlot, Spencer Milaca EFC, youthTriemer, Trent Lakeville, Trinity EFC, executiveYoder, Matt Marshall EFC, youth
Interim Pastors (current)Barnhart, Kevin Rochester, Calvary EFCCarlson, Darren Pine City EFCCarlson, Sheldon Cushing, Lincoln EFCCedar, John Dassel, Lamson EFCCrocker, John Albert Lea, Crossroads EFCFisk, Tim Hector EFCMartin, Harvey Harris, Dale EFCNydam, Don Worthington, Grace CCPaulson, Dean North Branch, Kost EFCRouse, Jerry Fairmont, Bethel EFC
Senior/Solo Pastors Who Have MovedMason, Tom North Branch, Kost EFC to ministry in Vienna, AustriaNewsom, Mike Dassel, Lamson EFC to retirementOlson, Todd Rochester, Calvary EFC to First EFC, Maplewood, MNStevens, Glen Albert Lea, Crossroads EFC to Salem EFC, Fargo, ND
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Credentials GrantedApril 2009 – March 2010
Licenses Leading to CertificateAndersen, Julie Lakeville, Trinity EFC, childrenCarlson, Darren Pine City EFC, interimCushing, Brett Bloomington, CrossPoint Church, lead pastorDriscoll, Micah Kerkhoven EFC, youthJohnson, David Elk River, River of Life EFC, lead pastorJohnson, Jerry Bemidji, EFC of Bemidji, youthMatthews, Jim Buffalo EFC, youthSkoglund, Derrick Northfield EFC, solo pastorUggerud, Eric Fergus Falls, Cornerstone EFC, solo pastor
Certificate of Christian MinistryOoms, Kim Roseville, Grace Church
Certificate of OrdinationRice, Michael St Paul, CrossCultural EFC
Ordination TransferSchirmacher, Al Princeton EFC, lead pastor
Change of StatusElifson, Dan Ordination placed in trust for personal reasons
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Mission Mobilizer ReportDear NCD Pastors and Delegates,
The Apostle John said in Revelation 7:9-10, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’.”
The Need: Approximately one third of the world has yet to hear the name of Jesus. The task is being accomplished, but there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to reach all of the nations, tribes, peoples and tongues.
Our Focus is to help mobilize NCD churches to become Great Commission Churches to reach all peoples. We do this through training, consulting, networking and promoting mission initiatives.
New Areas Being Developed:
Church Partnership SummitsWe have held two of these so far in the NCD. This summit is a four hour training event to help churches consider how to start a church partnership. Let us know if you are interested in hosting a summit for your church and your area. Global Outreach SummitsThe NCD is sponsoring this one day mission training event with the ReachGlobal’s CONNECT division. We recently held a summit in Watertown. We have GO Summits being planned for Alexandria this fall and for Thief River Falls in January 2011. Formation of the NCD Mission CouncilJeff Gagnon from Brooklyn Park and Derrick Skoglund from Northfield are members of this newly formed mission council. Let us know how we can serve you as NCD Mission Council members. Mission Teams Networking EventThe first ever networking event was held on April 18th in Northfield. Churches from the south metro and Southeastern Minnesota were invited. We hope to hold more of these events to encourage churches to network together by sharing of ideas, to encourage each other, to explore interests in church partnerships, and to grow in their mission awareness and skills.
Asia Women’s Initiative This is a new venture of ReachGlobal. Kathy Austvold is serving on the Asia Women’s Initiative team. The group is forming to address the areas of oppression and trafficking of women/children in Asia. If you are interested in joining the mailing list or getting more information on how you can serve, please contact [email protected].
Thank you for the opportunities that you are giving to us to serve you and your church. We are grateful for your prayers and financial support. Let us know how we can serve you in 2010 and beyond.
Steve & Kathy Austvold [email protected]
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Family & Children’s Ministries Report“…we will tell the next generation about the Lord’s power and His great deeds and the
wonderful things He has done…so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children. In this way they also will put their trust in God…”
Psalm 78:4-7 (Good News Bible – Today’s English Version)
God’s Word clearly shows a divine plan to use the family as one of His primary methods to reach generations in order to establish His Kingdom. The NCD is helping churches provide training, resources and networking for family and children’s ministries so that our families, and in turn our churches, might be healthy and effective disciples for the Kingdom. The following things were done through NCD volunteers in this ministry area during 2009-2010.
Conference Training:Training sessions related to family and children’s ministry were held on both the district and national levels. Since the 2009 national EFCA Leadership Conference last June was held in Eden Prairie, the NCD volunteers took a pivotal role in organizing and leading various training opportunities, as well as in networking with conference attenders.
Resourcing and Networking: Both the NCD representative to the EFCA National Family and Children’s Ministries
Council (Julie Andersen, Trinity EFC in Lakeville) and its chairperson (Greg Braly, New Hope Church, New Hope) are available to provide consultation and referrals for churches with needs in this ministry area.
The national chat room for family and children’s ministries concerns continues to field questions and connect churches for sharing of resources. (To become a member of this group, contact Greg Braly at [email protected])
Curriculum, special lesson plans (e.g. classes on baptism, sex ed or communion) as well as equipment were provided to needy churches by connecting them with churches who had resources to share.
The following things are planned to be offered within the next year: Updated national Family and Children’s Ministries website, including new logo and
resources to improve resources and networking opportunities Theological statement on the family as well as guidelines for establishing a family-
oriented ministry to children and youth Networking opportunities through regional “chats” through the NCD for those in family
and children’s ministry.
Training families for Kingdom work,
Julie Andersen [email protected]
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Student Ministries ReportA Word from GlennGod calling me to raise support to do this ministry has been an adventure. Fifty percent of the support that comes in is from youth workers in the NCD. Thank you! This represents a snap shot of how we do student ministries. It is not just about your individual youth group but instead about the Kingdom of God. Learning from each other is what makes us stronger as individuals. If you are not connected with other youth workers in the NCD you are not as good as you can be. One more side note, God has called me to come along side every youth ministry in the NCD to make them successful in what God has called you to do. I am honored to work a group of leaders that don’t have all the answers but know how to ask questions and they know how to ask God.
Networks – (Learning Communities)Networking youth workers around the state of Minnesota is the backbone of what we offer every church. Right now we have eight active networks around the state. Through these networks we provide support, encouragement, training, accountability and prayer. We have found that every person regularly involved in a network will stay at their church longer than those that don’t. Most of our training is happening in these Learning Communities. One more benefit of these times together is the mentoring relationships that develop. Youth workers with 10 years of experience are pouring into those who are just out of college. This is a huge benefit for both the youth worker and the church that they serve.
Student ConferenceThis past year 3000 students descended on Duluth in April for district conference. Shawn McDowell was the speaker and Remedy Drive did a great job of worship. Dave Bostrom leads the charge of this conference and does a great job. We are looking forward to District Blitz ’10 in Rochester on April 24-26, and we are praying for numbers over 3500.
Prayerfully DependentIf I have one thing that I would like to inject into every youth ministry it is a passionate intimacy with God through prayer. That is one of the major reasons for the Prayer is a Relationship training that I have recently written. The objective is to teach people why to pray and how to keep it creative. This is an interactive teaching with time in the Word and time with God in prayer. Also in this training is a page on “Why prayer is one of the best discipleship tools out there.” Contact me if you’re interested.
Respectfully Submitted,Glenn [email protected]
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Women’s Ministries Report
NCD Resound, the women’s ministry for our district had a year of changes. Kathy White, district mobilizer, Ardie Swanson and Shirley Henderson, district networkers, have been assessing and working to gain insights into the needs of our district women.
The largest change was the suspension of the women’s retreat at Camp Shamineau. With continually declining numbers we decided to take a year and evaluate the NCD sponsorship of this retreat. We have decided to pass the hosting and planning of the Women’s Retreat to Camp Shamineau with input from the NCD leadership. This was done with great sadness after many years of sponsoring the retreat and we continue to thank God for the many lives that were changed and inspired over the years at Camp Shamineau. As we move forward we are grateful that Camp will continue holding wonderful women’s retreats under their leadership.
REFRESH, RENEW, REJOICE was the name of a gathering for women the district sponsored on Nov 7. Over 100 women attended ‘Refresh, Renew, Rejoice” at Grace EFC, Fridley. This one-day event was designed to encourage, gather and equip our women. Keynote speakers included Carol Madison from Prayer Transformation Ministries, Kathy White from Stonecroft Ministries and Jackie Redmond, EFCA national women’s ministries director. We also had workshops and wonderful times of interaction throughout the day. Grace EFC was most gracious in their hosting and serving our ladies.
The NCD Resound is now looking for leaders. Our goal is to continue working with the women around the district developing regional networks for support and encouragement as well as identifying women who can lead and direct this ministry into the future.
Serving with you,Kathy White, NCD MobilizerArdie Swanson, Shirley Henderson, NCD Networkers
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Senior Adult Ministries ReportThe Senior Adult Ministries Council has been encouraged by the great response on the ministry of the last year:
The Senior Celebration on April 14, 2009 at First Free in Minneapolis gathered a healthy group of over 300 from around the district to enjoy music from an ensemble of the Twin Cities Men of Praise. Special Guest Dr. David Larsen offered two powerful messages that day, as well.
The 19th Annual Fall Festival took place once again at Camp Shamineau on September 14-15, 2009. The theme of the conference, What in the World is Going to Happen? —a prophetic theme, was developed by the featured speakers, Max Frazier of Village Schools of Bible. Our special musical guest was Burt Kettinger. A innovation added this year was a break-out workshop session with more than one option for seniors to choose from—The Senior Lifestyle Briefing. These features, combined with the fourth annual Community Hymn Sing, organized by Morris & Bev Faugerstrom made for a wonderful time together. There was enthusiastic response from those attending. Total attendance hovered around 175.
The NCD Seniors Today newsletter was launched in September. It is designed to communicate the happenings of the NCD Senior Adult Ministries Council as well as helpful idea sharing that will encourage seniors’ ministry across the district.
Plans for 2010 were established to feature Stuart & Jill Briscoe in the Spring Celebration in April and Max Frazier, once again, at the retreat at Shamineau in September.
Gratefully, there has been good response to the ministry that has been offered in the past year. We are aware of the changing demographics that are emerging and the variety of needs and interests that more than one generation of senior citizens will want to pursue in the future. Therefore, the Council is open to innovative ideas, offers of assistance by interested parties, and the prayers of everyone as the doors of opportunity for the future are opening to us.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Timothy A. Johnson, ChairmanNCD Senior Adult Ministries Council
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“To create camping experiences for the purpose of: sharing the Gospel of Christ, encouraging growth in Christ, and providing training for the Christian leaders of tomorrow.”
Greetings from the Ministries of Camp Shamineau,
It has been my privilege to be Chairman of the Board for Camp Shamineau for another year. I serve with a committed board that is dedicated to Camp Shamineau and its devotion to have campers come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I think you will find joy in the report you are about to read. God continues to be faithful to Camp Shamineau, Rock Ridge, Adventures and Ranch. We, as a board, trust His guiding hand as we watch His plan unfold before us.
We ended our financial year in the black again! Praise God! This is the fifth year in a row, even if it was by only two dollars! It was only by the Grace of God, the partnership between gracious donors, and the sacrificial financial cuts made by our incredibly dedicated staff that this has occurred. We continue to work hard being good stewards of all God has provided.
In 2009, we saw a slight drop in summer campers, but experienced an increase in family campers and retreat attendees. 2010 projections indicate maintaining similar levels of summer campers, while another increase in family campers and retreat attendees. We continue to actively promote camp to churches and youth groups, and pray that God will use camp again this year as He sees fit.
A new 2010 initiative of Camp Shamineau: offering summer camp staff to churches to conduct day camps at their church site. The initial response has been very encouraging. It is exciting to see our staff cheerfully expanding camps ability to spread the love of Christ with the local church. Those campers are in for a treat!
We launched a Capital Campaign two years ago. After a healthy beginning, the active initiative to recruit new partners was put on hold midyear due to a challenging economic environment. Nevertheless, we are pleased with the number of capital projects completed with the initial gifts and those making on-going pledge contributions. We are hopeful to reinitiate recruiting new participants in the Capital Campaign by mid-2010.
Rock Ridge is our “up north, rustic, boundary waters” experience. By responding to the need of our participating churches, the focus has been providing facilities and specialized skill support from our Rock Ridge staff for churches to conduct their own programming.
I feel compelled to end this report with a heartfelt “thank you” to Herb and his outstanding staff. Many have used words like: dedicated, fun-loving, entertaining, sincere, friendly, knowledgeable, humble, creative, to describe this group of individuals, strong in their faith and called by God to this camping ministry. On behalf of the board, thank you for your generous gifts of time, wisdom, talent, and finances that you each regularly share with camp.
Lyn Placeway, 2009 Board Chairman
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Deeper Life Bible Camp ReportThe Lord has given us another year to serve Him at DLBC. We are celebrating our 70th year of camp activities. Our goal remains the same…introducing children and adults to Christ, building lasting eternal relationships, maturing in Christ, and serving in Christ. Our theme for 2010 is “the Real” a challenge to chase, choose, embrace, trust, pursue, feel, know, share, love. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” What Jesus is saying is that He is the real thing, He’s the way life works, the way things really are. Jesus is the Ultimate Reality.
Our schedule is as follows for 2010:Staff Prep Weekend June 18 - 20 Jr. II (grades 5/6) July 18 - 24Sr. II (grades 11/12) June 20 - 26 Jr. High (grades7/8) July 25 - 31Sr. I (grades 9/10) June 27 - July 3 Soul Fuel (post high) Aug. 5 - 8Primary Days (grades ½) July 7 - 9 Couples’ Weekend Sept. 3 - 6Jr. I (grades ¾) July 11 -17
Pre-registration for kids camps by May 15, Soul Fuel by July15, Couples’ Weekend by August 15, 2010.We have a website that you can check or staff application forms, pictures, schedule, registration forms and fees, and contact information: www.dlbconline.com
Looking back on 2009, the Lord richly blessed through campers, staff, board and ministry. Lives were changed for our “King”. Financial needs were met and our ladies shower house was completed and put into use. We will continue to update our facilities as the Lord provides financially for us. Already, in 2010, God is providing for camp’s staffing needs. He’s also been faithful to provide for the day to day financial needs of the camp, allowing us to enter the spring with all the routine bills paid-which isn’t always the case. This is a testament of our Father’s faithfulness, that He provides for His work even as the world around us is troubled by uncertainty.
Over the course of 2009 camp season, DLBC served 275 campers of grade school age, and dozens more in the post-high school and married couples adult camps. Among the grade school campers, there were 35 individuals over the course of the summer who indicated that they had received salvation for the first time. Another 27 campers dedicated themselves to Christ anew, and 70 made some form of other commitment, to Christian service, changing harmful behaviors, or cultivating beneficial ones. It is truly uplifting to be around to watch as our Lord works in the hearts of young people in such significant ways. While Christ alone knows what truly happens in the hearts of young and old, to watch as relationships are built, burdens are shared, and barriers are taken down in the course of a week of camp leaves no doubt that His spirit is at work.
As we look to the upcoming camp weeks, please pray:1. Staff members will be committed to what our Lord has called them2. Children and adult campers will be in tune with the Holy Spirit’s nudging3. Lives will be changed eternally4. The Lord will continue to provide prayer and financial supporters5. Board decisions will be made according to the Lord’s will
Thank you to all who are part of the ministry at DLBC. It is only a piece of ground without you. Let us continue with eagerness, knowing that our Father does wonderful things with His people and a piece of ground. May we continue to serve Him for the next 70 years with faithfulness.
Vonnie WernbergDLBC Board
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Elim Care, Inc. ReportElim Care continued to grow and expand the geographic service area of the organization in 2009. In July the Baptist Home and Apartments of Bismarck, North Dakota merged with Elim. The Baptist Home was founded by the churches of the North American Baptist Conference and has been serving older adults in the Bismarck and Mandan area for over 50 years. In recent years the board of the organization came to realize that they might better secure the future of the facility if they merged with a larger organization of similar beliefs and mission. After an 18-month review of their options and dialog with Elim, they decided to merge the not-for-profit corporations of the organization with Elim Care. We are excited about the addition of the Baptist Home and Apartments to the Elim family of facilities and look forward to planning a new campus and expanded range of services for the greater Bismarck community.
Our new assisted living building on the Valley View Village campus in Des Moines recently began accepting new residents. This 54 unit apartment building will add a new level of care and service to the campus and will compliment the independent living and skilled nursing services presently being provided on site. This building was made possible by a successful capital campaign that raised over $500,000 to support the construction and furnishing of the new facility. We are grateful to all the donors who helped make this beautiful new building a reality. Because of our redevelopment efforts at his campus, Valley View Village was named Business of the Year by the East Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
In recent years Elim Care has invested millions in upgrading and expanding our buildings so that our residents can live in comfortable and updated environments. We have also invested in programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life and quality of care of our clients. We have recently embarked on a program to enhance the dining experience at all of our sites. This new program allows residents many more choices in food options by allowing them to order their meals off of a menu similar to what would be found in most restaurants. This new dining program is in place at six of our locations and will be available at all of our sites within the next two years.
Recently, Elim and four other non-profit organizations were awarded a grant from the state of Minnesota to study ways to reduce the number of falls among our residents. A fall, whether it is from a bed, tripping over a rug, or simply a loss of balance, can result in a very serious injury to an older adult. We are excited to be part of this grant program and can report that after the first year (of a three year period) we have reduced falls among our residents by 14% from the baseline period. We are proud of this achievement and have a goal of reducing falls by 25% over the next three years.
Elim continues to be a dynamic organization that seeks to glorify God by serving older adults with compassion, excellence and innovation as we demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. Please continue to support us with your financial gifts, your time as a volunteer, and with your prayers.
Robert DahlPresident, Elim Care
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2010 Conference Action Items Voting on the 2010-2011 District budget
Voting on new members to the District Board of Directors
Voting on acceptance of Rock Hill Community Church, Duluth
Second vote on adopting the new EFCA Statement of Faith as the District statement of faith
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Duluth: Rock Hill Community Church Pastor Kyle Eaton
Rock Hill Community Church started as a dream of Anchor Point Community Church many years ago. As a young church plant, Anchor Point dreamed of not only one new church but a movement of new churches in the Duluth/Superior area. To that end, they called Kyle and Liz Eaton up to Duluth at the end of 2006. By God’s grace, Rock Hill officially launched public worship services in December of 2007 with about 20 people. Jesus has been faithful to build his church. We now average about 120 people a week on Sunday
evenings. We recently purchased our first permanent home in March of 2010 and will begin services there on Easter Sunday of this year. In 2009, we became financially self-sufficient and had the privilege of baptizing 11 people. This is how we briefly describe ourselves:
We are a group of young people who value learning. Many of us have been disappointed by the church but dream about what she could be. We are idealistic, musically gifted, theologically-driven and put a huge focus on living in genuine community. We are a little edgier than your average church but not your typical “seeker-type” church either. We don’t try to hide any of the difficult things about following Jesus, but rather embrace them as living life to the fullest. Although imperfectly, we seek to bring the truth of the gospel into every area of our lives and live completely devoted to Jesus. We don’t seek to be just “the young people’s church,” but currently, that is who God has brought us and we praise him for it.
We continue to dream about being part of a church planting movement in the greater Duluth area. We see this happening through rigorous leadership development and the constant planting of new churches. We are joyfully partnering with Kevin Erickson and the Virginia, MN church plant and also praying about starting our own daughter church soon.
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Mark Your CalendarsDistrict Blitz Youth ConferenceApril 23-25Rochester, MN www.ncdyouth.com
Fight Club 2010: Fighting For Gospel TransformationWhat: A one-day conference for men When: May 1st, 2010Where: Ukrainian Event Center, Northeast Minneapolis
Hosted by Antioch Community Church, Hope Community Church, and Acts29Register online now! www.fightclubmn.com Only $25, $30 at the door
A Trusted Friend When It Matters MostMay 22nd
Care-ministry coordinator training provided by New Hope Church Contact the NCD office for registration information
Sabbath Rest RetreatJune 6-8 (Sunday-Tuesday)Timber Bay Retreat CenterCost: $108.00 per person--includes sleeping accommodations, four meals
$40 scholarship will be applied to your retreat costs, if you prepay by May 14.Contact Jim Anderson at [email protected] for more info and to register.
EFCA Leadership ConferenceJune 15-17Columbus, OhioFeaturing: Joel Hanson, John Ortberg, Samuel Rodriguez, and many, many morewww.bthetree.org
Neighborhood Transformation Vision SeminarJuly 8 Dr. Stan Rowland of Lifewind and Dr. Tom Cairns of EFCA ReachGlobal
Pastors Teaching ConferenceOctober 4-5Camp ShamineauDr. Steve Goold, Sr. Pastor at New Hope Church
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Pastors Teaching Conference
2010Article 8 Living:
Fleshing Out Compassion and Justice in Our Churches and Communities
Steve Goold, Senior Pastor, New Hope ChurchOctober 4-5, 2010Camp Shamineau
Come join us to explore Scripture and think and pray together about how to live out the new article in our new Statement of Faith.
Stay tuned for further details about the conference.
Project PurityA ministry initiative to provide help to pastors and churches
Stage 1: A district-wide call to safety and accountability on the internet.Stage 2: Resources, including voluntary purity assessment, to help pastors maintain or gain sexual purity.
Project Purity is now being launched around the district, initially through the pastor clusters. It includes a voluntary “Pathway Toward Freedom” that
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combines safe confidentiality and responsible accountability. Plug in to your local cluster to hear more.
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Pastor Cluster ScheduleGroup/Location Schedule Contact PersonArrowhead/Duluth 1st Monday Joel Winchell
[email protected] Metro/Oakdale, Hope EFC
1st Tuesday John [email protected]
Urban Pastors, NCD Office
1st Wednesday Larry Willman [email protected]
Spanish Speaking/ Hutchinson EFC
1st Wednesday Dan [email protected]
Hwy 169 area/Princeton EFC
2nd Tuesday Al Schirmacher [email protected]
Rochester/Cornerstone EFC
2nd Wednesday Kevin [email protected]
Associate Pastors/ Brooklyn Park EFC
2nd Thursday David Durey [email protected]
Buffalo area/Buffalo EFC
3rd Tuesday Steve Schoepf [email protected]
Bemidji, Bemidji EFC 3rd Tuesday Dwight [email protected]
Waseca, Christ Cmty 3rd Wednesday Dan Van Loon [email protected]
Redwood Falls & Marshall area
3rd Thursday Tom Latterell [email protected] LeClere [email protected]
Alexandria/Lk Cmty 3rd Thursday Bob Satterlie [email protected]
SW Metro/Lakeville, Trinity EFC
3rd Thursday Don Reigstad [email protected]
I-35 North/North Branch
3rd Thursday Jeff Starnes [email protected]
NW Metro/Fridley, Grace EFC
3rd Thursday Gerald Stigall [email protected]
Brainerd/Baxter, Lakewood
4th Thursday Jim Anderson [email protected]
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Licensing Discussion GroupsNorthwestWhere: Lake Eunice EFC, near Detroit Lakes (meeting place is negotiable)When: Second Monday of the month in the morning, 9:30am—12:30pmContact: Dennis Wadsworth [email protected]
North CentralWhere: Calvary EFC, WalkerWhen: every 2 or 3 months, Tuesdays, from 12-2 pmContact: Mark Widman [email protected]
West CentralWhere: Harvest Community Church Ministry Center, Sauk CentreWhen: Usually Second Thursday of the Month at 9:00a.m.Contact: Paul Burr, [email protected]
SouthwestWhere: Granite Falls,at the Rock Haven Ministry Center. When: We generally meet the second Wednesday of the month Meeting is from 9am to noon.Contact: Tom Starkjohn [email protected]
East CentralWhere: Oxlip EFC, IsantiWhen: Contact Lee for detailsContact: Lee Scheumann [email protected]
Twin Cities Metro
Central #1:Where: District Offices, MinneapolisWhen: Wednesday mornings, last Wednesday of each month. 9:30—12Contact: Andy O’Rourke [email protected]
Central #2:Where: District Offices, MinneapolisWhen: Fourth Tuesday of the month, 8:30am—12:30pm, beginning Sept. 22Contact: Dave Linde [email protected]
South:Where: Trinity EFC, LakevilleWhen: Contact Brian for more details, if you’re interested.Contact: Brian Harris [email protected]
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Serving You
Dan Moose CHURCH PLANTING [email protected]
David LindeCHURCH RESOURCES (CREDENTIALING & PLACEMENT)[email protected]
Jim Anderson PASTORAL CARE [email protected]
Steve AustvoldMISSIONS [email protected]
Glenn Olson STUDENT [email protected]
Dave Bostrom STUDENT MINISTRIES CONFERENCE (P/T)[email protected]
David DureyCHURCH HEALTH DIRECTOR (P/T)[email protected]
Ardie [email protected]
Mindy WarlandFINANCIAL (P/T)[email protected]
Antioch Initiative &Antioch Community Church
Andy O’RourkeDIRECTOR & LEAD [email protected]
Jamie BuchananASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & PASTOR OF [email protected]
Coley BloomquistADMINISTRATION & WOMEN’S [email protected]
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