Pastor Kenney
On Wednesday July 17th we heard a classification speech from Mark Kenney, pastor of River Valley Church, Faribault campus. Mark was born in Michigan, and calls himself Minnesotan by choice. He moved here in 1994 to attend college and never left. Mark described to us his childhood as the best possible scenario a kid could have with a stable, loving, solid home life with his folks (who have been married 54 years) a sister two years older than him and a brother just 11 months younger.
Mark graduated high school in 1989, in his words the greatest class of the 80’s! He spent his summers camping and visiting grandparents which he loved to do! His first job was selling sea food. He loves sea food, but doesn’t love selling sea food. On a youth group trip the summer before his senior year in high school to Cedar Point to visit the best amusement park for roller coaster rides, the youth groups plans took a different turn. After a bus break down and then some very severe weather, the group did not attend the amusement park but spent some time in prayer and reflecting. In the church where they were staying for the night, Mark describes that experience as the moment he was changed. He offers coffee and a conversation to any who wants to hear more about that. He was beaming when he recalled the story to our group.
Fast forward to 1994, Mark’s best friend Nate was getting married. Mark was the best man, and Nate’s fiancé was a twin and her twin sister Jami was the maid of honor. Mark and Jami ended up falling in love and dating for 3 years. In August of 1997 they were married. They have 3 great kids, Ben, Marissa, and Sam. In his free time Mark enjoys driving, or riding his motorcycle, travel, and has a hunting shack near international Falls, with no amenities by the sounds of it. He loves it!
In 2010 Mark and Jami moved to Faribault to serve the congregation at River Valley Church. The church serves an average of 400-500 people every weekend, and will add more services as needed! Mark has been fortunate to travel all over with groups from the church, and is looking forward to a couple of upcoming trips that include the Philippines and Israel.
Mark is excited to become a Rotarian as the service he provides to the members of River Valley Church align with that of Rotary. Welcome Mark! We are so glad to have you!!