Reverend John Boonstra came to Bethel on November 12 as a pastoral candidate, and left — following a sermon, a unanimous vote, and a warm welcome — as its newly elected pastor.

Bethel's strong history in the realm of social justice issues was one of the reasons John was drawn to us, and he made such issues the centerpiece of his sermon that day. Using the image of “leftovers”, John spoke of obstacles to our ability, both individually, and as a society, to live up to Jesus' message of inclusion and care for all. Drawing on both scriptural and modern-day references of faith, giving, acceptance, and compassion, John asked us to critically evaluate our views of those in our society who are used to receiving just the leftovers, and to consider the possibilities — and challenges — of offering so much more.

The children of Bethel had a chance to meet the new pastor as well. In a children's message that might have had some of the familiar trappings of Halloween, John challenged them to open their hands in compassion and giving, and to remember that by doing so, they too could share in the giving of others.

In his ministerial profile, John wrote that “ministry with a local congregation is where a justice seeking and caring movement of faithful people begins.” Ministry, in his view, “nurtures and nudges us to understand how a God of love, compassion, and justice lives in the lives of every person.”

John begins his life as a local congregational minister at Bethel following administrative and executive positions in regional, statewide, and international ecumenical organizations. In addition to his recently ended 17 year tenure at the Washington Association of Churches, John has been active in a variety of social justice issues, including the Washington Living Wage Movement, the Tax Fairness Coalition, Immigrant Rights Project, and the Center for Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence

John will live in Hood River with his wife Vicky and daughters Charlie and Everly. He begins his regular duties with Bethel on January 6, 2007.

Past news items:

• Interim Pastor Denise Downs to move to Michigan
• Jean Erb retires
• New Worship Times
• 125th Anniversary Celebrated
• Capital Campaign Approved
• All Church Retreat