MONROE - The Rev. Brian E. Backstrand has joined St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Monroe, to serve the congregation as its new priest.
Backstrand brings 15 years of pastoral experience to his new role, including responsibilities as parish pastor, and as hospital and hospice chaplain. Prior to joining St. Andrew's, Backstrand spent six years as pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Villa Park, Illinois.
Increasingly drawn toward the Episcopal Church USA, Backstrand was ordained as a deacon in June 2008, and as a priest in January 2009. He cites the central importance of the Eucharist and its liturgy as significant aspects of the Episcopal approach.
He looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm: "Here in Monroe there is a place for the Episcopal expression of Christian faith in which Catholic devotional piety, Protestant theology and social concern are all hallmarks of the faith."
A published poet, short story author and college English instructor, Backstrand is a multi-faceted father and grandfather. Together with his wife of 39 years, Marilee, Backstrand also raises market vegetables on the family's farm west of Monroe. Living simply on the land there - Backstrand describes their modest living quarters as "essentially camping" - has raised the couple's awareness of energy and resource conservation.
Describing his vision for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Monroe, Rev. Backstrand refers to the example of St. Andrew himself. "St. Andrew appears to have been a quiet and consistent follower of Jesus, always laboring in the shadow of his brother Peter. But in John's Gospel, it is Andrew who comes to Jesus with the boy bringing the loaves and fishes."
The story's association between St. Andrew and feeding and nurture - both spiritual and physical - inspires Backstrand.
The church is located at 2810 6th Street, and offers Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Backstrand brings 15 years of pastoral experience to his new role, including responsibilities as parish pastor, and as hospital and hospice chaplain. Prior to joining St. Andrew's, Backstrand spent six years as pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Villa Park, Illinois.
Increasingly drawn toward the Episcopal Church USA, Backstrand was ordained as a deacon in June 2008, and as a priest in January 2009. He cites the central importance of the Eucharist and its liturgy as significant aspects of the Episcopal approach.
He looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm: "Here in Monroe there is a place for the Episcopal expression of Christian faith in which Catholic devotional piety, Protestant theology and social concern are all hallmarks of the faith."
A published poet, short story author and college English instructor, Backstrand is a multi-faceted father and grandfather. Together with his wife of 39 years, Marilee, Backstrand also raises market vegetables on the family's farm west of Monroe. Living simply on the land there - Backstrand describes their modest living quarters as "essentially camping" - has raised the couple's awareness of energy and resource conservation.
Describing his vision for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Monroe, Rev. Backstrand refers to the example of St. Andrew himself. "St. Andrew appears to have been a quiet and consistent follower of Jesus, always laboring in the shadow of his brother Peter. But in John's Gospel, it is Andrew who comes to Jesus with the boy bringing the loaves and fishes."
The story's association between St. Andrew and feeding and nurture - both spiritual and physical - inspires Backstrand.
The church is located at 2810 6th Street, and offers Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
