Pastor Erik Roth Interim Pastor
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Pastor Erik Roth was called to serve as the Interim Pastor at First Lutheran in January, 2022. He is married to Tauna and they have two children, Nozomi and Ronin. Tauna is currently a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul MN, and is looking forward to becoming an ordained pastor herself.
Pastor Erik is originally from Colorado Springs, CO. In 2004, he graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI with a degree in Environmental Science. After college he traveled throughout Asia teaching English and volunteering for several years before enrolling at Luther Seminary where he graduated in 2011. Pastor Erik served his first call at Tokyo Lutheran Church in Tokyo, Japan as the Missionary Pastor, and in 2017 he was called as Pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia, MN where he served in that role until coming to First Lutheran. Pastor Erik is passionate about serving others, creating a caring community, meaningful worship, Christian Education, and supporting global mission. With God’s grace, Pastor Erik aims to help the people of First Lutheran during their time of pastoral transition, and to continue the faithful ministries of First Lutheran which equip people to be devoted disciples of Jesus Christ and share the joy, love and salvation of the Christian faith with others. Pastor Erik’s guiding scripture passage for pastoral leadership is from the gospel of John 10:10 (Jesus said) ”I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” |
Rian Johnson Parish Secretary
Nashville 2021-Rian, Ruby Jo, 11 yrs old & Cash Dean, 4 yrs old
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"I came to work at First Lutheran Church in August of 2019. Also looking for a church family, my children and I became members of the church shortly after. Ruby and Cash can be seen around the church occasionally in the office during the week as well as helping out with services on Sundays.
I graduated from Hibbing High School in 2000 and went on to Cosmetology School, working at Regis Salon in Roseville for 7 years. Before getting married to my husband, Lonnie, we moved back to Hibbing and I worked for Midwest Vision for the next 5 years. The next 7 years were spent working as a claims processor for BCBS. I was part of the first round of layoffs at Blue Cross and was looking for a more fulfilling job that was closer to home. After hearing such wonderful things about the church from the current secretary, I knew I had to submit my resume ASAP! I was extremely fortunate that I was hired on as the new secretary at the First Lutheran Church. This is not just a job for me here, all of you have become my family. I am so grateful for everyone and I continue to try my best to serve the church. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity! Stop in the office anytime, the coffee is always on!" |
Melissa Peterson Custodian
Elaine Sweeney Organist
