Pastor Roger Parrish-Siggelkow is returing to his roots, both figuratively and literally.

The 58-year-old is the new pastor for the Kabetogama United Methodist Church and Crane Lake Chapel, replacing Pastor Ruth Gangloff who retired this summer.

Parrish-Siggelkow grew up in Duluth before moving south and just recently returned to the ministry after operating a coffee shop in Cannon Falls for years.

A United Methodist director stopped in each day for a latte, explained Parrish-Siggelkow, and their discussions sparked his interest in returning to the ministry.

“It was a good opportunity for change for my wife and me, who were experiencing the empty nest syndrome,” he said, noting that their youngest son is a college junior, pursuing a degree in music.

Roger and his wife, Marnie, have made their home in the parsonage in Orr, the midway point between the two congregations. And they’ve recently grown their family with the addition of yellow Lab pup named Buddy.

The churches in both Kabetogama and Crane Lake have been very welcoming, he said. He and his wife took an excursion with congregation members to the Kettle Falls Hotel and Roger even got in a little fishing time on Crane Lake.

Both Kabetogama and Crane Lake are considered part of the Mobile Ministry, said Pastor Parrish-Siggelkow, who travels more than 100 miles each week to serve the two congregations. The churches are similar in size, with the congregation numbers peaking in the summer when lake homes, cabins and resorts are filled. The Kabetogama United Methodist Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall with a celebratory service and picnic on Sept. 11, Parrish-Siggelkow added.

“I’m more of an old-school minister who sees his role as a shepherd for the congregation,” he said, explaining his approach to the ministry. “I like to listen to people and help them reach their spiritual development.”

Initially, Parrish-Siggelkow dreamed of becoming a writer. “When I was 20, I wanted to be Ernest Hemingway,” he joked. When that didn’t pan out, he considered a musical career, citing James Taylor, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Bruce Cockburn as key influences.

He did end up in music, but not as originally envisioned. He and his wife, Marnie, formed the duo called”Tthe Flyers” that specialized in children’s songs. Parrish-Siggelkow wrote much of their music and he recalled that the two once performed at the Cook Public Library two decades ago.

Their children — Erin, Ry and Charlie — share their delight in making music. “They get their musical talent from their mother,” he joked, “and their sense of humor from me.”

Parrish-Siggelkow continues to use his musical talents in his ministry, often using humor to make a point. He even performed one of his compositions, about eating chicken every night, for the Ladies Luncheon to benefit the Crane Lake Chapel.

He and Marnie are looking forward to serving the congregations of Crane Lake and Kabetogama, and plan to make time to do some sightseeing, fishing, golfing and reading.

He also expects family — including three grandchildren — to visit. “They like to hunt and fish, so I’m sure they’ll be up north,” he smiled. “We’ve really fallen in love with the place.”