The Bible Story Family

  When the entire audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation, praise did not seem to be directed at the production, but at God Himself. Our hearts had been lifted toward the Almighty through the story, the lyrics, and the music itself. He alone deserved all the honor and glory. “Newton,” a new oratorio based on the lives of John Newton, William Cowper, and their contemporaries, was the production we had just heard. Composed, orchestrated, and conducted by Josh Bauder, the oratorio featured thirty-nine scenes. The life stories of Newton, Cowper, Wesley, Scott and Wilberforce awakened in each listener an appreciation of the transforming power of the work of God in the lives of men. Slave trader, drunkard, prodigal, and a man battling extreme depression found forgiveness and strength through God’s amazing grace. The full-bodied sounds of the orchestra supported the excellent vocal solos and choir. The libretto written by Bauder provided humor and pathos as well as historical accu...

  I used to tell my kid’s a dad joke. “What is fellowship?” Answer: Two guys in the same boat. There will be lots of guys in the same fellowship this weekend as the Minnesota Baptist Association holds their annual Men’s Meeting in Pine Island. Pastor Tim Graham is once again hosting this special event and is preparing to grill sirloin steaks and smoke beef briskets. The food will, as always, be delicious. Spiritual fellowship will come from presentations by Jason Ormiston and Steve Brower on the theme of “Intentional Relationships.” If you have never heard Jason or Steve before, you are in for a treat. Tim has also planned some breakout sessions on Ice Fishing, Freeze Drying Foods and Snacks, and New Deer Hunting Laws for 2026. The Bible Story Family will have a display table with an unbeatable sale on good books you need to read, so be sure to stop by and say hi. “Get in the boat.” Don’t miss this exciting time of creative fellowship for men today and tomorrow at Corners...

  How great would it be to actually talk with those who are involved in our governance? Well, in Minnesota you can do that. Rory Martin is the director of the Church Ambassador Network. During every legislative session he coordinates visits between pastors and legislators. During the last session 93 different pastors made 119 pastoral visits to the Capitol. “We expand our ministry to the Capitol to folks regardless of their political party affiliation or voting record,” write Rory. “We are aiming to help our government see the church as a primary resource to meet needs in our communities. We believe the church a state can work in tandem to affect real change throughout our state.” Church Ambassador Network is non-partisan. It seeks to meet needs in Minnesota without government money. But as government helps identify those needs, the church can step in to meet such needs effectively. In that way the ministry goes far beyond mere chaplaincy. To contact Church Ambassador Netwo...