United Methodist Church says goodbye to Pastor Dehlbom

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church will be saying farewell to Pastor Brent Dehlbom as his family will be relocating to Spartanburg, S.C.

Dehlbom’s family has lived in Boundary County for generations and he was born at Boundary County Hospital. Due to the nature of Dehlbom and his father’s work in the military, the family has not always been around, but they had returned to Bonners Ferry and have stayed here over the past 10 years. Since their return, they have served the community in numerous ways, especially through the church and Ministerial Association. Dehlbom also served on the Victim Services Board and he also helped with sports and education programs.

“Bonners Ferry will always be home to me no matter where I am,” said Dehlbom.

Dehlbom’s wife is going to Sherman College of Chiropractic in South Carolina, and the move allows the family to be closer to their children who live in Virginia, Florida, and Texas.

The move, however, is not to an unfamiliar place, as Dehlbom was stationed in Charleston, S.C., while he was in the Navy.

“A little warmer winters aren’t going to bother me, even though it happens to be snowing there right now,” joked Dehlbom.

“The church is in good shape, strong,” said Dehlbom. “One of the things I have always loved, is due to a health issue, as I have gotten weaker, they have gotten stronger. That’s my aim as a pastor, I want the church to be strong. It’s not about me, it is about the body of Christ and the church.”

Without him there will not be a pastor for a while, but they plan to fill the services with different speakers until a new pastor is appointed.

“Its really neat how its all come together and I am excited for the future of the church,” said Dehlbom. “This church, particularly, has been here since 1902. It’s been serving the people through disasters like the floods downtown, all the different lore since 1902, all the stuff that has happened, this church has been serving the community. My encouragement to the church is to carry on serving the community.”

Dehlbom kept a light hearted attitude, even though he knew leaving would be difficult.

“I am really going to miss a lot about Bonners Ferry in general, North Idaho, the Sandpoint chapter has some really great people too, and it’s hard. It’s really hard,” said Dehlbom. “I have this Sunday and next Sunday and I don’t know how I am going to get through that one.”

With some parting words for the community, Dehlbom said, “I want to tell everyone how I am going to miss them badly. With the church family and all the other pastors in town, it’s just been wonderful serving God with all of these wonderful people here.”