WELCOME TO OUR NEW PASTOR, MARK ABELSEN!
We asked Pastor Mark some light-hearted questions to begin to get to know him.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Duluth, MN
Q: Where did you go to college and seminary?
A: Augsburg College and Luther Seminary
Q: Do you play any instruments?
A: I’ve played piano since I was six years old and it was my major in college.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a dog named Hector. He is a Great Dane mix and looks a lot like Scooby-Doo!
Q: What is a favorite food?
A: I love soup!
Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
A: My Favorite movie is “West Side Story” – the original, but I also love the remake. Also, “White Christmas” and I love Hitchcock films and James Bond.
Q: On a warm summer day that you aren't working, what would we find you doing?
A: Golfing, Biking, Hiking (and a nap)
Q: On a cold winter day that you aren't working, what would we find you doing?
A: Movies and reading a book! (and a nap)
Q: Any other favorite pastimes?
A: I love to cook and bake. I love to travel and experience other cultures. I love musical theatre.
Q: Are you familiar with Norwegian food?
A: I am very familiar – I am 50% Norwegian on my father’s side. My grandmother made all the traditional cookies at Christmas time (which I will not try to spell). My grandpa would eat lutefisk every Christmas
Q: Do you have children?
A: I have three AMAZING kids – James (25), Sam (18), Eleanor (14)
Q: Have you spent much time in Southeast Minnesota? If not, is there something/ somewhere that you are interested in exploring?
A: I am completely new to the area other than participating in the Dorian Festival at Luther when I was in high school. I hear there is a lot of wonderful biking and hiking in the area, which I love to do. I’ve also heard that fly fishing is big and would love to do that some time. And I hope to find a golf course.
Q: Do you have a favorite travel destination?
A: I have a bucket list of places overseas I would love to go, but closer to home, I love the North Shore (Grand Marais) and visiting State Parks.
