A Community of Media and Entertainment Professionals Brought Together Through a Commitment to Christ
Reaching and Caring for Media and Entertainment Professionals World Wide for ChristPastor Bob Rieth Passed Away, July 26, 2022
Pastor Robert Eugene Rieth, (Pastor Bob) of Valley City, North Dakota and previously of Kenmore, Washington passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2022. Bob was born October 9, 1940, in Rugby, North Dakota and adopted as an infant by his parents, the late John and Ida (Kiser) Rieth. He married Marion Walth in May of 1961, and graduated from Valley City State University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
In the fall of 1964, Bob and Marion moved to the Twin cities and he began seminary in the first class at what was at that time, Association Free Lutheran Seminary. He graduated from seminary in May of 1967, and was ordained in June.
Join us for Media Fellowship’s 23rd Praise Brunch
and Celebration of Life for Pastor Bob Rieth
Saturday, April 15th at 9:30am
Please join us on Saturday, April 15th in Los Angeles for a Praise Brunch to celebrate the life of Pastor Bob and the ministry of MFI. We look forward to a wonderful morning of fellowship as we remember Pastor Bob and hear stories from those whose lives have been touched by the ministry of MFI and Pastor Bob. More details coming soon including Saturday evening plans for a time of sharing and prayer. Click the “Donate” button and enter $125 per ticket or $1000 for a table of 8. Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
We look forward to seeing you! You may contact Bob’s daughter Renae at 206.617.7574
The 22nd Annual MFI Praise Brunch at the
Beverly Hills Hotel: A Celebration!
Pastor Bob Rieth with Rian Newman, Chanse Corbi and Caroline Kerr. Photo by Ron Zelinski.
Written by Gary Bryan – LA’s top morning radio personality
On October 19, 2019, hundreds of MFI members and guests gathered in the ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel for the 22nd annual Praise Brunch, for a celebration of Christ’s love and inspiring testimony from those who serve Him in the media and entertainment industries.
Mark Larson, of KFMB AM and KUSI TV in San Diego kicked off the morning as our emcee. He introduced the legendary Pat Boone. Pat told a fascinating story of his encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Our next trip to Israel is coming soon. More on that in another post!
From Right to Left: Carolyn Ridley, John Tinker, Mark Fincannon, Billy Davis Jr., Pastor Bob Rieth. Photo by Ron Zelinski.
Next, we viewed a video from MFI board member Rick Eldridge, who unfortunately couldn’t be with us this year due to production commitments. Rick heads the Praise Brunch committee each year. Following Rick’s greeting, we were blessed with a song by the incredible tenor Larry Wayne Morbitt. Larry is an accomplished singer and actor whose credits include acclaimed appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe, including Broadway. His current residency is as part of the Phantom of the Opera cast at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. (Website: larrywayne.com)
Pastor Bob Rieth with recipient of the Ambassador Award Mark Fincannon. Photo by Ron Zelinski.
Just before our delicious breakfast, prepared by the hard-working staff of the Beverly Hills Hotel, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. graced the stage with the Soldiers of the Second Coming. As always, their musical contribution was one of the highlights of the day.
As staff cleared our brunch dishes, Mark returned and introduced the recipient of this year’s MFI Ambassador Award: Mark Fincannon. Based in South Carolina, Mark is a principal in Fincannon Casting, the go-to casting company for thousands of TV and movie productions. Mark shared his Christian journey, which took a sharp turn with the dissolution of his marriage, as he realized he needed to fully equip himself to be a true ambassador for Christ. Now happily remarried, Mark became very emotional as he recounted the love and support he received from Pastor Bob Rieth.
Keynote Speaker John Tinker. Photo by Ron Zelinski.)
Next, our special guest speaker, renowned producer John Tinker, recounted his journey from Hollywood heavyweight (St. Elsewhere, Judging Amy), to a satisfying life in rural Georgia, where he is still active in TV and film production. Along the way, he also received prayers and personal support from Bob Rieth and other members of the MFI fellowship.
Pastor Bob Rieth then spoke about his vision for MFI, and as always, his passion and servant heart shone through. Bob spoke of the need for Christian fellowship in the media and entertainment industries. He also shared that he feels God is leading him to establish a Christian center for alcohol and drug rehabilitation. He asked all of us to join him in prayers for guidance and direction.
Altogether, it was a great morning of testimonies and music, and it set the stage for even greater things as we plan the 23rd annual MFI Praise Brunch for 2020!
The 22nd Annual MFI Praise Brunch at the
Beverly Hills Hotel: A Celebration!
Pastor Bob Rieth with Rian Newman, Chanse Corbi and Caroline Kerr. Photo by Ron Zelinski.
Written by Gary Bryan – LA’s top morning radio personality
On October 19, 2019, hundreds of MFI members and guests gathered in the ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel for the 22nd annual Praise Brunch, for a celebration of Christ’s love and inspiring testimony from those who serve Him in the media and entertainment industries.
Mark Larson, of KFMB AM and KUSI TV in San Diego kicked off the morning as our emcee. He introduced the legendary Pat Boone. Pat told a fascinating story of his encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Our next trip to Israel is coming soon. More on that in another post!
From Right to Left: Carolyn Ridley, John Tinker, Mark Fincannon, Billy Davis Jr., Pastor Bob Rieth.jpg
Next, we viewed a video from MFI board member Rick Eldridge, who unfortunately couldn’t be with us this year due to production commitments. Rick heads the Praise Brunch committee each year. Following Rick’s greeting, we were blessed with a song by the incredible tenor Larry Wayne Morbitt. Larry is an accomplished singer and actor whose credits include acclaimed appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe, including Broadway. His current residency is as part of the Phantom of the Opera cast at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. (Website: larrywayne.com)
Pastor Bob Rieth with recipient of the Ambassador Award Mark Fincannon.
Just before our delicious breakfast, prepared by the hard-working staff of the Beverly Hills Hotel, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. graced the stage with the Soldiers of the Second Coming. As always, their musical contribution was one of the highlights of the day.
As staff cleared our brunch dishes, Mark returned and introduced the recipient of this year’s MFI Ambassador Award: Mark Fincannon. Based in South Carolina, Mark is a principal in Fincannon Casting, the go-to casting company for thousands of TV and movie productions. Mark shared his Christian journey, which took a sharp turn with the dissolution of his marriage, as he realized he needed to fully equip himself to be a true ambassador for Christ. Now happily remarried, Mark became very emotional as he recounted the love and support he received from Pastor Bob Rieth.
Keynote Speaker John Tinker
Next, our special guest speaker, renowned producer John Tinker, recounted his journey from Hollywood heavyweight (St. Elsewhere, Judging Amy), to a satisfying life in rural Georgia, where he is still active in TV and film production. Along the way, he also received prayers and personal support from Bob Rieth and other members of the MFI fellowship.
Pastor Bob Rieth then spoke about his vision for MFI, and as always, his passion and servant heart shone through. Bob spoke of the need for Christian fellowship in the media and entertainment industries. He also shared that he feels God is leading him to establish a Christian center for alcohol and drug rehabilitation. He asked all of us to join him in prayers for guidance and direction.
Altogether, it was a great morning of testimonies and music, and it set the stage for even greater things as we plan the 23rd annual MFI Praise Brunch for 2020!
Have you ever dreamed about going to Israel?
Maybe you’ve already been there, but you want to share the beauty, history and significance of the Holy Land with someone. Media Fellowship International (MFI) and Pastor Bob Rieth are taking a small group June 1st to June 11th, 2020. (June 13th if you’d like to add Petra). We will visit Nazareth, Jerusalem, Galilee, Masada, the Garden of Gethsemane, Bethlehem, the Old City and more. We will also have the opportunity to take a boat ride in the Sea of Galilee, walk beside the River Jordan and be baptized and stand before the Western Wall (Wailing Wall). If time allows, you’ll have the chance to swim in the Dead Sea. In following days, we will walk in the Old City, then travel to Mount Zion and go to the Upper Room. From there it’s on to the Tomb of King David and the Garden Tomb.
MFI and Pastor Bob have had the opportunity to take about 10 small groups over the years. Pastor Bob has also been there himself, for specific pastoral and ministry purposes another 3 or 4 times. It is a place that calls to him. He would be honored to be able to share his love for this country and its history with you.
If you are interested in finding out more about this, please contact
Pastor Bob or Renae at mfi@usa.net or 206-617-7574.
Guest Testimony
by Lana King “Former” Pres. of Distribution for FOX Broadcast Co. & CEO of the Hallmark Channel. Currently, Exec. Producer of TV series in development, “Prophets & King
Whether starting out, or mature in my career, I found that there is no real success without faith. It has been the faith of knowing that my life and my efforts are all part of God’s perfect plan. At every turn, I had a choice to submit to the status quo, feel stuck, or trust that I could do my best and God would do the rest.
This is where it started…
Coming out of graduate school, there was an industry-wide strike and no one was hiring. That was salt on the already open wound of defeat that had been festering for several years in college. No one in my close circle felt that entertainment was a real profession, and the naysayers assured me that the industry was impossible to get into for a mere mortal like me with no experience. I was educated and energetic, but stuck.
Still, I had to follow my instincts and my passion. I happened into a temp job for a senior industry executive. His secretary was gone for a month. I was employed, and therefore, unstuck. The job ended up being permanent, but permanently answering phones and managing someone else’s schedule didn’t line up with the aspirations I had for my career. I was stuck.
PO Box 82685
Kenmore, WA 98028
Email: MFI@usa.net
Phone: 206-617-7574
Fax: 425-488-8531
Contact us for opportunities to fellowship with other media and entertainment industry people!
If you'd like more information about MFI, or if you need counseling, please reach out to us. We're here for believers and non-believers alike.
MFI, incorporated by the state of California in 1987, is recognized as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. As such contributions are fully tax deductible. MFI is funded by private contributions from individuals who believe in this vital ministry of reaching ‘to the media, through the media.' DONATE