Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Pastor Amy Kippen has answered her first call as is now serving the congregation of the First Lutheran Church in New Rockford. This exciting milestone comes after her recent officiation and completion of training at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., but that is not to say that she's a newbie.
"Church has been my gig for a long time," Kippen cheerfully declared during her interview. Most recently, she fulfilled a yearlong internship with Tri-County Ministry, which serves Binford and the surrounding area. Prior to that, Kippen applied her talents and passion to the field of youth ministry in West Fargo where she helped youth find peace and grounding, even when life got hard.
She says she found inspiration to attend seminary after her daughter, Nicole, was grown. Once Nicole had graduated from college, Kippen started wondering what might be next. In 2014, she delivered the keynote speech at a family ministry conference. Afterward, several colleagues reached out to her and suggested that God might be calling her to be a pastor.
"When I told my daughter about that possibility, she said, 'Duh, Mom!'" Those two confirmations, along with many others, made the call undeniable for Kippen. In fact, she says, "So I quit my job in youth ministry, sold my house, and moved to the Twin Cities for seminary."
During the call process, Kippen interviewed and visited six churches, ultimately choosing New Rockford. Not only was she enamored by the hometown feel of New Rockford, but she was taken in by the town's frequent celebration of the arts.
"I love the arts! I love singing, theatre and music," she mused. This is something her daughter Nicole would attest to, however, she is in Los Angeles working in wardrobe and design.
Known as Pastor Amy by her parishioners, Kippen's enthusiasm about what New Rockford has to offer is in deep anticipation. With the current situation surrounding the coronavirus, much of New Rockford's community spirit is muted. But that's not to say there isn't a bit of a buzz going around. As she steps into her role for the first time, First Lutheran Church is preparing to celebrate 100 years, which makes for some excitement indeed.
Kippen reflects, "One hundred years ago, families came together to build the future. It is a legacy we are carrying forth here, for the next 100 years."
As far as the future of the First Lutheran Church, Kippen envisions the development of a rich youth program where teens come together for activities, camps, mission trips and of course to spend time with church friends.
An outdoor worship service will be held on August 23 in Riverside Park, with a fellowship and luncheon to follow to welcome Kippen into her new role.
