Utecht: NFL success made way for Christian CD

Minnesota native and former Gopher football star Ben Utecht has been on ESPN many times. That happens when you're catching passes from a legendary quarterback (Peyton Manning) on a team that wins the Super Bowl (Indianapolis Colts).

Now he has a new media outlet: "I'm on iTunes," he said. "I never thought that would happen."

It has happened because Utecht, a native of Hastings, has released a CD of Christian music. The self-titled album contains 12 songs, nine of which he wrote.

"It's a wonderful release," he said of writing music. "It's an opportunity to get away from the pressures of football."

At the same time, he knows that the two careers are intertwined. A tight end who joined the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent last season, he credits football for opening doors in the music world.

"Because of my success in football, I was able to meet people like [gospel music greats] Sandi Patty and Bill and Gloria Gaither," he said. The Gaithers invited him to sing at some of their concerts, and Patty's record company is releasing his CD. "The NFL has provided me with an arena where I can get my message out."

Utecht, the son of a Methodist minister, grew up singing in church, but put music aside when he enrolled at the University of Minnesota.

Before then, however, he and his wife, Karyn, a native of Owatonna, plan to make a trip home to see relatives and find a local retail outlet for his CD. In the meantime, it's available for $10.99 from www.benutecht.com.

Asked what was a greater thrill -- his first NFL touchdown pass or the release of his first CD -- he said that he couldn't pick, especially while thinking of the recent album-release concert he held in Cincinnati.

"They're both tremendous feelings, but they're completely different," he said. "I'll never forget catching a touchdown pass in my very first pro game. But to stand up in front of 1,000 people who are there just to hear you, that's a very humbling experience that I'll always cherish."

A new home at last When it comes to embracing the "glass is half-full" philosophy, you've got to hand it to members of the Twin Cities' newest Ethiopian church. Instead of lamenting their difficulty in finding a permanent worship space, they've decided to celebrate it.

"In the last four years, we have had the privilege to worship every Sunday morning in a different location in St. Paul and Minneapolis," begins an announcement by the parish council of St. Ourael Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The building is being inaugurated with two services: 4 p.m. today and 8 a.m. Sunday. Among the dignitaries will be Abune Merkorios, the patriarch (international head) of the church, as well as bishops from around the world.

By the way, the church's official name is the Debre Berhan St. Ourael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. But even members rarely use the full name, calling it simply "St. Ourael."

Talk of the town Some notable speakers are coming to town.

• The so-called pastor in chief, Joshua DuBois, will be at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul at 7 p.m. Wednesday. DuBois, whose official title is executive director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will be interviewed by Krista Tippett, host of National Public Radio's "Speaking of Faith," and then will take questions from the audience. Tickets are $20; $18 for MPR members. Call the Fitzgerald box office at 651-290-1221.

• Roman Catholic radio talk-show host and author Al Kresta will appear at a fundraiser for Way of the Shepherd, an elementary school. Kresta's speech, "Suffering and Hope," is at 7 p.m. Sunday at Totino-Grace High School in Fridley. Tickets are $15 at the door.