The ability to be caring and accepting of others are traits highly regarded, and as one Bedford pastor plans to retire, there are many in his congregation who recognize how caring and accepting a man he has been.

Rev. Bob Bergquist, the senior pastor at Bethany Covenant Church in Bedford for the past 15 years, is going into semi-retirement June 15.

A reception will be held for him on Sunday, June 8, at the church as he wraps up nearly 40 years of full-time pastoral work.

“I was coming to that age when many people decide to retire, and at some point, you need to bring it to a close,” said Bergquist. “It just felt like the right time.”

Bergquist, who was raised in Bremerton, Wash., began his life as a pastor in Michigan in 1968. From there, he moved to Tacoma, Wash., where he practiced from 1972-85. He then worked at the First Covenant Church in Omaha, Neb., for eight years before moving to Bedford in 1993.

“It’s been a very enjoyable time,” said Bergquist on his time at Bethany Covenant. “I’ve really loved the church and the people in it. I’ve loved the community.” Bergquist’s daughter met her husband at the church, and the couple and their children are still members.

Bethany Covenant Church has grown since Bergquist’s arrival, developing a strong music program and connections to organizations in the community, including CareNet Pregnancy Center and New Life Home for Women and Children. He has played a role in the success of the church’s Lambs’ Workshop, a kindergarten and pre-school program that teaches children religious values.

“I think his big contribution is through the Lambs’ Workshop,” said Bev Doherty, the administrative assistant of the church. “He plays a piano for them (the children) every week. Everybody loves Pastor Bob.”

Members throughout the church have appreciated Bergquist’s service. Jim Thomforde, chairman of the leadership team, has been with the church for the past 10 years. “I think he will be remembered for his love and the influence he put on Bethany,” said Thomforde. “Bethany is a church full of love and that has in large part come from Pastor Bergquist.”

David Clark, a member for the past 12 years, has been strongly affected by the pastor. “Bob’s gift is to make every single person feel special,” said Clark. “Every person Bob gets in contact with gets his best.”

Pastor Bergquist’s final service will be Sunday, June 15.

After an extensive search, the church selected Joel Kruggel, a native of Michigan, to take over leadership in July.

Bergquist does not plan to retire completely as he will work as a part-time interim pastor at churches throughout the area. “I’d like to spend time with my wife,” said Bergquist. “We would like to travel. I’d like to do some reading and writing.

“I took my faith seriously,” he said on how he hopes to be remembered. “I wanted to help the church be as effective as it could be.”

Effectiveness may be an understatement to those who have met and been influenced by the pastor’s leadership.