| Bethany Lutheran Church Red Lake Falls MN |
|
PASTOR'S MESSAGE
Hello, I’m Pastor Daphne Urban, new interim pastor here at Bethany Lutheran Church. I’ll be worshiping, praying, gathering, supporting, listening and fellowshipping with you all for the next year on a half time basis. Most of my time will be spend here in Red Lake Falls, but for a portion of each week, I’ll be at my home with my family in Bemidji.
As your interim pastor, I have a lot to do, but the most important thing, above all else, is to walk with all of you during this year of transition. I am here to be present in the sadness with you, because your pastor of 31 years has retired and has left. I am also here in excitement with you as discern and plan for a future full time, permanent pastor. Whatever your personal needs are, whatever conversations you want/need to have, I am here with and for you. I’m available for in person visitations, phone conversations, zoom calls and email conversations too. Let me know how I can be available for you.
I began my time here at Bethany Lutheran Church on January 15, 2022. So far I’ve helped with a visitation, led a prayer service, a funeral and a burial service. I’ve led worship and preached a couple of times. I’ve met a lot of you and have begun learning the inner workings of this church. I’ve moved into the parsonage and brought a couple of my kids to see what mom does “at work”. I have led a Bible Study for at least 6 years and am excited to share it with you all. Starting this month, I’ll meet in person once a month at Bethany Lutheran, and once a month at New Salem Lutheran in Bemidji as well. I always have an online option as well for those who want to come from wherever they are.
In addition to living into my new calling here at Bethany Lutheran Church, I’m also a part of the NWMN Synod ‘Creation Care’ team, a part of the NEMN Synod ‘Ecofaith Leadership’ team, attending Synod required ‘First Call’ Meetings, which are required the first three years of all brand new pastors, and as of this week, am a part of the ‘Work/Life Balance’ Synod group that supports women in ministry in new ways. I’ve also recently been introduced to my new Thief River Falls Pastor Conference Group (also synod based) and will begin attending events with them as well.
My family is stationed in Bemidji. My husband Mike works as a professor at Bemidji State University. We have three kids. Linnea (age 12) in 7th grade, Jonathan (age 10) in 5th grade and Evan (age 8) in 3rd grade. They are all currently in taekwondo and piano lessons. Linnea is also currently in confirmation at New Salem Lutheran Church in Turtle River and Evan is in an after school program on Mondays that focuses on math and reading, two of his favorite school subjects. Throughout the year they are in additional activities. They are very active with their friends and have lots of additional interests. When they come to Bethany Lutheran, please introduce yourselves to them. They are all very personable and love to meet new people, especially kids their ages!
In due time I’ll be introducing myself to you all individually via in person, phone calls and email, maybe even text. Be on the lookout! Until then, let’s all enjoy this wonderful Season of Epiphany! May God bless you all in numerous ways!
As your interim pastor, I have a lot to do, but the most important thing, above all else, is to walk with all of you during this year of transition. I am here to be present in the sadness with you, because your pastor of 31 years has retired and has left. I am also here in excitement with you as discern and plan for a future full time, permanent pastor. Whatever your personal needs are, whatever conversations you want/need to have, I am here with and for you. I’m available for in person visitations, phone conversations, zoom calls and email conversations too. Let me know how I can be available for you.
I began my time here at Bethany Lutheran Church on January 15, 2022. So far I’ve helped with a visitation, led a prayer service, a funeral and a burial service. I’ve led worship and preached a couple of times. I’ve met a lot of you and have begun learning the inner workings of this church. I’ve moved into the parsonage and brought a couple of my kids to see what mom does “at work”. I have led a Bible Study for at least 6 years and am excited to share it with you all. Starting this month, I’ll meet in person once a month at Bethany Lutheran, and once a month at New Salem Lutheran in Bemidji as well. I always have an online option as well for those who want to come from wherever they are.
In addition to living into my new calling here at Bethany Lutheran Church, I’m also a part of the NWMN Synod ‘Creation Care’ team, a part of the NEMN Synod ‘Ecofaith Leadership’ team, attending Synod required ‘First Call’ Meetings, which are required the first three years of all brand new pastors, and as of this week, am a part of the ‘Work/Life Balance’ Synod group that supports women in ministry in new ways. I’ve also recently been introduced to my new Thief River Falls Pastor Conference Group (also synod based) and will begin attending events with them as well.
My family is stationed in Bemidji. My husband Mike works as a professor at Bemidji State University. We have three kids. Linnea (age 12) in 7th grade, Jonathan (age 10) in 5th grade and Evan (age 8) in 3rd grade. They are all currently in taekwondo and piano lessons. Linnea is also currently in confirmation at New Salem Lutheran Church in Turtle River and Evan is in an after school program on Mondays that focuses on math and reading, two of his favorite school subjects. Throughout the year they are in additional activities. They are very active with their friends and have lots of additional interests. When they come to Bethany Lutheran, please introduce yourselves to them. They are all very personable and love to meet new people, especially kids their ages!
In due time I’ll be introducing myself to you all individually via in person, phone calls and email, maybe even text. Be on the lookout! Until then, let’s all enjoy this wonderful Season of Epiphany! May God bless you all in numerous ways!
