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SOS: Keith Bergquist
Story of Service: Keith BergquistWritten by Cindy Folin
If you have ever been to Westwood on a Saturday morning, you probably have seen Keith Bergquist in action. Keith’s service at Westwood includes leadership of the Properties Ministry Team. You will find Keith working with his team on many different properties projects from repairing sidewalks, re-building the deck, sealing the roof, moving the altar, unloading and inspecting the sanctuary chairs, trimming trees, fixing lighting fixtures… The list is substantial! If you haven’t been here on a Saturday morning, you may have worked with him over the years serving as an usher, or as a member of the Columbarium Committee or the Foundation Board, or teaching confirmation or working on a Habitat project…
Keith is very dedicated to service in support of Westwood’s mission and ministries. He is backed by an equally skilled and dedicated group of volunteers on the Properties Ministry Team. Keith describes one of the best parts of serving as properties’ chair is the opportunity for fellowship in working with a great group of friends. “I have been given the opportunity to connect and serve with some dedicated and faithful servants in our congregation (like Craig Halverson, Pete Elliasen, Gordy & Linda Meyer, Stan Crist and Wally Novak) who have invested countless hours at Westwood.”
He also has appreciated getting to know other Westwood members who have concerns for the condition and appearance of Westwood’s building and grounds. “Our budget is fairly tight so faith fills in where the dollar’s fall short. Without faith, many of our projects would not have been completed. There is nothing inexpensive about maintaining our property, but, with God’s help and a great team, it gets done.” He is happy to see the team grow as several new Westwood members have joined the team.
Keith has shared his commitment to service by involving his daughter and son (Anne & Peter) in various projects and by encouraging their involvement in other volunteer opportunities. He attributes his dedication to service to lessons learned from his mother. He said she often reminded him of how important it is to get involved and to make a difference using the gifts God has given you. She also reinforced the importance of appreciating those working along with him. (His father’s message was, ‘Find a way to fix it!’ which comes in very handy on the Properties Ministry Team too.)
When asked how God is at work, he responds, “I am certain that the Holy Spirit has guided me and the rest of the team to this ministry. We have been given the opportunity to use our time and talents to be good stewards of our facility and to make it a better place for the congregation and our neighbors. We are all blessed to be a part of this community.”
Keith will be moving on to a new leadership position this spring as the President of the Westwood Foundation. Keith enters his new call to leadership committed to growing the harmony between the church and the foundation by partnering in ministry.
It has been a joy and a privilege to witness the gentle leadership and creative skills of this dedicated servant.
Thank you, Keith, for all you do to make the mission of Westwood Lutheran Church a reality.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:23
