Viks cooked up food not only for the body, but the soul

Published September 8, 2009 · Updated June 16, 2016

By Leslee Lane Hoyum

For the Norwegian American Weekly

Before Pastor Per Inge Vik and his wife Karin came to Minneapolis’s Mindekirken three short years ago, they heard what a major part food played in the church’s life, from coffee and smørbrød, to lutefisk, and Passover Seder meals. The bonus for Mindekirken was that the Viks were avid cooks themselves.

It wasn’t long before the Viks began Friday noon socials for sold-out groups who enjoyed the Viks’ culinary creations, which included fiskegrateng, fårikål, fiskekaker, fiskepudding, sosakjøtt and bacalao, to name a few. “One thing I wanted to do while I was pastor was introduce congregants to ‘old-fashioned’ middagsretter (hot dinner meals),” said Pastor Vik. Not only did the Viks lovingly prepare these foods, they also shared their musical talents through hymns and Norwegian songs that celebrated the food and also uplifted participants’ spirits.

Although food is a big part of Mindekirken’s fellowship, Pastor Vik “believes the Sunday morning service is the heartbeat of the congregation. We have treasure chests from which to share our faith, including Bible texts, hymns, liturgy and music.” Both the Viks feel that Mindekirken will remain a place where faith matures and fellowship continues through love, care, encouragement and welcoming every soul that longs for fellowship with the Triune God.

While living in Minnesota, the Viks had an opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Canada, which they fully documented in their nearly 4,000 photos. Wherever they journeyed they nourished the hearts and souls of all they met by sharing and living the word of God.

Mindekirken’s congregation wishes Pastor Per Inge and Karin the very best as they immerse themselves in their new roles and reunite with their family. Pastor Vik has accepted a call at the Skodje Parish while Karin will return to teaching third and fourth grades in Tresfjord, a village in the municipality of Vestnes. Both are located in the County of Møre og Romsdal.

This article was originally published in the Norwegian American Weekly on August 21, 2009. For more information about the Weekly, please email us at subscribe@norway.com.