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PictureHeader  Iowa Baptist Conference
eNewsletter
IN THIS ISSUE
2009 IBC Annual Meeting
Moving Forward
Don't Forget... Town Hall Meetings!
Why Participate in Denominational Meetings?
Momentum
Church Planting Conference
When It Takes More than a Band Aid
Change Your Life!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MINISTRY RESOURCES
QUICK LINKS
 
 
 
 
MARCH 20, 2009
Dear Friends,
 
This eNewsletter comes to you from the district office of the Iowa Baptist Conference... keeping pastors and leaders informed of activities across the state... and opportunities and resources available through the IBC & the BGC.
2009 IBC ANNUAL MEETINGS  
    "a NEW thing?" Registration & Schedule...
 
MEETING LOCATION:
Union Park Baptist Church
821 Arthur Ave, Des Moines
Ph: 515.265.5258  
(Housing options listed on brochure)
 
STATE-WIDE  LEAD TEAM Iowa Baptist Conference
Thursday, April 30
Supper - 5:30 pm
Encouraging - 7:00 pm
Friday, May 1
Learning, Achieving, &
 Dreaming - 9:00 am
 IBC ANNUAL MEETING
Friday, May 1
Registration - 4:30
pm BANQUET - 5:30 pm
Program - 7:00 pm
Dessert  - 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 2
 Program - 9:00 am
Business - 10:30 am
Skip's Farewell - 11:30 am
Lunch - 12:00 pm

MOVING FORWARD...

 
     The Flywheel is Spinning!    by Skip Hansen, IBC Director of Transition

Skip Hansen, Director of TransitionAs the flywheel turns... any one point becomes a moving target!  And the faster the flywheel turns, the greater the movement of the target!  In other words... change is constant!
 
In our last newsletter, I communicated the plan for our IBC delegates to vote whether or not we intended to move forward with a Minnesota merger... based on the information available by that time.  We called it a "fuzzy" picture.  
 
But as the flywheel has spun-up, our target has shifted.  From an Iowa legal perspective, we cannot vote our "legal" intention on May 1... without a clearly completed "plan of merger."  From a Minnesota perspective, that official "plan of merger" cannot be completed by May 1.  Iowans may be able to vote our hearts... but we will not be able to create a legal merger action on that day. 
 
Consequently, I've invited two men to speak to us at our annual meeting.  One will speak peace and joy to our "hearts."  The other will bring peace and certainty to our "heads."  
 
FRIDAY NIGHT... Minnesota Baptist Conference District Executive Minister, Dan Carlson, will speak to our hearts.  He will share the spirit of good will, as well as the widespread spiritual synergy, existent among Minnesotans toward Iowans.  Dan is a warm-hearted leader who you will enjoy hearing and getting to know!
 
SATURDAY MORNING... Paul Floyd, an attorney who has assisted with previous BGC church mergers will speak to our heads.  He will explain why we must hold the entire series of meetings as outlined in my previous article.  He will draw us a clear picture of the various procedures and remaining required steps.  Paul is a great guy with a keen mind for clarity!  You will appreciate his presentation... and be drawn to him as a person!

WE WILL CELEBRATE!  When you leave this annual meeting, you will have a clear sense that we are not just spinning our wheels in Iowa... but actually moving forward with good progress and proper due diligence-as we move forward toward aNEWthing!   

PRAISE THE LORD!

DON'T FORGET...  
   IBC/MBC Town Hall Meetings...  by Dan Carlson, MBC District Executive Minister
 Minnesota Baptist Conference Staff 
We would like to meet you! 
To that end we are bringing 10 members of our team to you and invite you to join us for an evening of Introducing the Minnesota Baptist Conference "Family Gathering Style."  We call it the "Converge Café"!  We want to introduce you to the "Ministry Menu" that defines us and that we could share together. 
 

These get acquainted events will take place on four consecutive evenings in four different locations. 

  • Thursday, April 2, 7:00 pm - Grace Baptist, Waterloo - 319-233-6196  
  • Friday, April 3, 7:00 pm - Grandview Baptist, Davenport - 563-386-7576
  • Saturday, April 4, 6:00 pm - Olivet Baptist, Urbandale - 515-279-3919
  • Sunday, April 5, 6:00 pm - Oak Hill Baptist, Humboldt - 515-332-1058

Dan Carlson, MBC District Executive MinisterWe promise to touch each of your senses!  We invite you to: "Taste and see" that the Lord is good,"  "Smell" the aroma of Christ, as well as a good dessert, "Feel" the love of Christ as expressed through his Word and let your heart be "Touched" as we look at the needs in our neighborhoods and around the world, "Hear" of the good news of our Savior,

We also invite you to: "Speak" into our lives as we get to know and interact with you, "Give" to the ministry of the Iowa Baptist Conference. 

We don't want you to miss out on this first opportunity!  Let me encourage you to call the location you will attend and let them know you are coming! I am looking forward to meeting you and introducing you to our team!
 
Dan Carlson
Executive Minister
Minnesota Baptist Conference

WHY PARTICIPATE IN DENOMINATIONAL MEETINGS?  
     One Pastor's Answer... by Pastor Carlton Anderson from The River's Edge Church in Iowa Falls

Pastor Carlton Anderson, The River's Edge, Iowa FallsDear River's Edge Members & Other 'Lovers of The Edge",

There are a couple denominational gatherings occurring in the next 6 weeks that may be of interest to you.   

Since our first focus is getting people to Jesus, we don't make a big deal out of denominational structures and procedures and advertise these things publicly.  But at the same time, much of our church's strength and wisdom is found in these relationships with other sister churches, our state leadership and national resources.  Our road to where we are today would've been very different, and we would've made many more mistakes if it wasn't for the church planting resources that we've benefited from.   

Also, at a time when most US denominations are shrinking in size, our denomination, Converge Worldwide (formerly known as the BGC, or Baptist General Conference), is growing!  Other churches are seeing the things we are doing and desiring that same revitalization in their churches and congregations! 

So exciting things are happening that it would be good for more of our people to know about.  I'd love to have a small group of others coming to these events along with me!

MOMENTUM...

 
     Getting Ready... by Camp Director, Roger Sutton2009 Summer Camp Logo

Momentum. Momentum is what carries the rollercoaster almost to the top of the next hump.  Near the top, a system of chains and motors grab the carts, take them to the top and the cycle starts over.

Momentum is illustrated often here at Pine Lake Christian Camps as we wind our way through the event seasons, projects, even our finances. We have an incredible year of ministry opportunity ahead of us.  

Jeremiah Zaldarriaga, our Summer Program Director is working to hire the staff. Soon they will be engaged in planning the focus for each day of camp. Speakers are gathering their thoughts as we think about what it means to have "steadfast hearts, look for the light of a new day, celebrate and worship the joy God wants for us and the hope that He offers." There's much to do.

Summer is only one part of our ministry year. In preparation for campers and many rental groups, the facilities need our attention. Work crews are needed to clean, insulate, drywall, paint, side, and the list goes on.

Prayer warriors engaged in the battle on our half need to be energized. The Enemy does not like what we do. We need prayer protection today as we drive a stake, find a foundation, celebrate the light of day, worship, have fun..."Awaken the Dawn."

There is much to do and without you, we can do little. Please join us in taking this ministry to the top of the hill, so that we can see the dawn and the blessings of all that God wants for us and those we will serve this year.

CHURCH PLANTING MISSIONS CONFERENCE  
   Reaching Beyond Themselves...
 
Oak Hill Baptist Church in Humboldt is focusing their entire upcoming Mission's Conference solely on church planting! 
Saturday, March 28 - 9:30-1:30; Youth Event at 6:30 
Sunday, March 29 - 9:45-11:45
GUEST SPEAKERS include:
  • Carlton Anderson - Our own IBC Church Planting Director and Church Planting Pastor from Pastor Joe & Karri StrodeThe River's Edge in Iowa Falls - speaking Saturday morning
  • Joe  & Kerri Strode - Iowa's next church planting couple, currently working through the process with the support and endorsement of the Northwest LEAD team churches - speaking Saturday after lunch and Sunday during the Sunday School hour
  • Joel Nelson - A former Church Planter and the current Minnesota Church Planting Director - speaking during the Sunday morning worship hour

WHEN IT TAKES MORE THAN A BAND AID...

 
     DOES SOMEONE... Know What To Do???  
 
Sports Safety/Pro Rescuer Training Retreat
 
           
We are offering a First Aid training retreat at PLCC that will help individuals know how to deal with the many kinds of accidents that can happen around our church gatherings, events and families.

 Appropriate for youth pastors, leaders, ushers, Sunday School teachers.  We never know when and accident might happen and trained responders can save a life. 
 
APRIL 3-4, 2009 AT PINE LAKE
 
This group will be limited to thirty participants, so please encourage early registration.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE  
 Women's Spring Conference...Becky Tirabassi
  • WHEN: Saturday, April 4th
    • 7:30 am - Check-in with light breakfast buffet
    • 8:30 - Conference begins
    • 11:30 am - Lunch
    • 1:30 pm - Conference concludes
  • WHERE: Prairie Lakes Church, Cedar Falls
  • SPEAKER: Becky Tirabassi (www.changeyourlifedaily.com)
  •  COST: $25 thru March 15; $30 after (both meals included)
  • QUESTIONS/REGISTRATION: 319.266.2655 or www.prairielakeschurch.org

 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

     Looking Ahead...

  • March 27-28 - Quad-Cities Christians Writers' Conference - Eldridge (Go to www.qccwc.com for details)
  • March 27-29 - IBC Scrapbooking Weekend - PLCC
  • April 2 - Family Gathering - Grace Baptist, Waterloo, 7 pm
  • April 3 - Family Gathering - Grandview, Davenport, 7 pm
  • April 4 - Family Gathering - Olivet, Urbandale, 6 pm
  • April 5 - Family Gathering - Oak Hill, Humboldt, 6 pm
  • April 3-4 - First Aid Training - PLCC
  • April 7 - IBC Board of Overseers - Ph Conf
  • April 18 - IBC Prayer Summit - PLCC
  • April 31-May 1 - IBC State-wide LEAD Team Meeting (Union Park, D.M.)
  • May 1-2 - IBC Annual Meeting (Union Park, D.M.)
  • May 22-25 - Memorial Day Family Retreat Weekend
  • June 14-19 - Juniors Camp
  • June 21-26 - Sixers Camp
  • June 21-26 - Centershot Archery Camp
  • June 28-July1 - Base Camp
  • July 3-5 - 4th of July Family Retreat Weekend
  • July 5-10 - Jr High Camp
  • July 12-17 - Sr High Camp
  • August 7-9 - PLCC Homecoming Weekend
  • September 18-20 - IBC Men's Retreat
  • September 25-27 - IBC Women's Retreat
  • October 9-11 - IBC Scrapbooking Weekend - PLCC
  • October 17 - IBC Prayer Summit - PLCC

MINISTRY RESOURCES

 
Following are brief summaries of some GREAT ministry tools.
You can check out additional resources at the IBC website in regard to:
  • PASTORS RETREAT NETWORK & CEDARLY RETREAT: An opportunity for a five-day self-directed retreat for full time pastors and their spouses--a time of personal spiritual renewal at no cost. For more information, go to: Pastors Retreat Network
     
  • SOLITUDE CABIN at our own Pine Lake Christian Camp... available for up to THREE nights' stay for pastors and their families... with a fully equipped  kitchen... master bedroom... and a loft for the kids.  Linens and towels are provided... and best of all... there is NO CHARGE! Call the office at 641-858-3284 to make a reservation.
  • RETOOL KIT is a BGC resource designed to help churches become all that God wants for them.  It is not a program...  it is a pathway... guided by a trained Mobilization Coach who helps the church discover and develop healthy leaders, a biblical community, and a clear vision for the future. 
  • Retool KitOne of the the end results is a clearer vision for ministry, along with a three year future plan.  Additional outcomes are the changing of the church's DNA, spiritual growth, (both personally and corporately), stronger community, and more effective Kingdom impact.
For more information, contact Pastor Jeff Scherer, IBC Director of Mobilization at: 319-290-6874 or jeffscherer6@msn.com
 
  • SHALOM HOUSE is a pastoral retreat center in New London, WI Pinnacle Ministries- facilitated by Pinnacle Ministries and providing a comfortable, safe place for rest, refreshment and renewal for those in ministry - based on the philosophy that the health of our churches, and ultimately our communities, rests in the strength and refreshment of our pastors.
     
    Pinnacle Ministries offers three levels of services... from just "hanging out" to professional counseling services.  Shalom House can also be utilized for church board and leadership retreats,  church staff training, missionaries and their families, and pastoral sabbaticals.
     
    If your pastor doesn't know about Shalom, please tell him or her about it - better yet, send them for a refreshing, relaxing break to recharge their batteries for future ministry!

For more information, go to: www.theshalomhouse.org

  • QUIET WATERS MINISTRIES - offers a FREE, 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, confidential phone consulting resource for BGC pastors and home assignment missionaries called CARELINE - funded jointly by IBC & BGC

Quiet Waters MinistriesCall 866.526.2222 to be put in touch with a licensed doctor or master's level counselor from Quiet Waters Ministries to talk about EITHER personal OR congregational matters.

Services are available for up to 3 hrs of assessment and consultation via telephone per isolated incident per year.

All communication with the denomination, regarding these services is consistent with confidentiality laws and requirements, and with BGC's policies and guidelines.

For more information about Quiet Waters, go to:  www.qwaters.org

  • BGC CORNERSTONE FUND is a ministry of the Baptist General Conference with a mission BGC Cornerstone Fundto extend BGC ministries - by providing loans for building/remodeling projects within our conference churches and ministry centers.

    Our ministry is possible because of the support of our investors, who receive competitive rates compared to like term investments and have the satisfaction of knowing that their investment is being used to help expand ministries of the BGC.

For more information, go to: www.bgccornerstonefund.org

  • CHRISTIAN LIBRARY INTERNATIONAL is a Raleigh, NC, based ministry that distributes Christian Library Internationalused Christian books (fiction and non-fiction), Christian music tapes, Sermon tapes, CDs, DVDs, video tapes, bible study materials, and tracts to prisons, shelters and international missions free of charge.

What a great way to "recycle" those dust collecting books!  For more information, to to: www.cli-nc.org

  • CHERISH CENTER is a ministry of Shepherd's Fold - providing housing, counseling, nurturing, training, and spiritual guidance to young ladies experiencing the crisis of an unplanned pregnancy.  They have the capacity to care for six girls at a time for a period of 3-6 months.  And because they are supported by individuals and churches, they have the freedom to make Christ central in the home and in the training.  Shepherd's Fold Ministries

The Executive Director, Jan Turner, is a member of the Milford Baptist Church and is also their worship director. She has seen this project through the from the very beginnings - property purchase, building construction and equipping, and staffing.  In their first year of operation they served eight girls.

Shepherd's Fold Ministries, Inc., is a local, interdenominational, non-profit corporation working to provide a home and a hope for young mothers in need, located in northwest Iowa. 
 
For more information go to: www.cherishcenter.org
 
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 Magnifying God by Mobilizing & Multiplying a Growing Family of Healthy Churches!

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