I am David Ude (and as my Mom would point out, that’s David, not Dave!). I am child number eight of nine and pastor number four of four in our immediate family! I am blessed to have many cousins, nieces, and nephews (at last count, Grandpa Roland A. Gurgel has over 120 descendants).
I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and grew up in Milwaukee until the family moved to Fridley, Minnesota, when I was nine years old. During this time my love for Wisconsin and its sports teams was purified in the fire!
I attended high school, college, and seminary at Immanuel in Eau Claire, so I’ve been there over a decade. I enjoyed my time there—especially the years I was able to spend coaching Cross Country, Track and Field, and Baseball.
On June 23, 2012, I was married to Rachel (nee) Radtke. We have a daughter Anastasia who is almost six months old. She is poised to crawl, forcing us to put away the cords which weave their way around our house.
For pastimes I enjoy attending baseball games, running, listening to audio-books (those last two often go together), fishing, and eating. I love the fall of the year, which combines many of my favorite things—crisp air (good running weather), beautiful colors, and of course the Packers.
Most of all, I enjoy mining the treasures of God’s Word and sharing them with others. There are gems to be found under every rock, and there are always some souls that need them.
I have been called to serve Living Word Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wisconsin. While I am looking forward to discovering all there is to do and see in this beautiful part of the country, I am even more excited to speak the good news of salvation in this area. May God grant it.
(We thank Pastor Ude for introducing himself to our readers at our request. — Editor)