pastor rebekah swanson

I am a lifelong Lutheran, a second-generation female pastor, and an advocate for food and shelter justice. I grew up on an organic family farm that doubled as an ecumenical retreat center in Point Roberts, Washington. Having felt a call to serve others from a young age, I engaged in disaster response work following Hurricane Katrina, ran a severe weather shelter for houseless and transient men, and eventually lived and worked in a small mountain valley called Holden Village before saying, “yes” to God’s call to serve the church. 

In 2017 I completed my MDiv at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University and entered the first call process. At that time, I felt pulled to return to the church of my formative years- the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. 

Over the past two decades, I have worked at and served congregations in Bellingham, Washington; Berkeley, California; Garden Grove, California; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Most recently, I worked as the Interim Assistant to the Bishop for the British Columbia Synod in New Westminster, BC. 

I have enjoyed many different roles in the church beyond the role of parish pastor, too, like serving on the BC Synod Candidacy Committee and the Program Committee for Leadership and Ministry (a national church appointment). I have organized synod conventions in California, led women’s retreats, been to confirmation camps, created large-scale liturgical art pieces, led Habitat for Humanity trips, volunteered as a wilderness first responder, founded the BC Synod archives, and served as a chaplain and spiritual care provider for houseless youth and young adults.   Responding to God’s call has led me to embark on many adventures throughout my life, and now it has led me to serve you, the people of St. John’s Lutheran in Middletown, New York.  

Phil and I live with our two bossy cats, Agatha and Petunia. Our free time is often spent exploring new neighborhoods, visiting museums, and supporting local businesses by adding to my rather extensive library. My other interests include music and history, liturgical art, quilting, birding, reading historical fiction, photography, needle-felting, community organizing, cooking, traveling, exploring the natural world, wine tasting, making the perfect cup of coffee, and hosting meals with friends.

We are looking forward to meeting you. Thank you to Jean, Debbie, and Bonnie for making this interim position reality. Phil and I will hit the road on March 7th, heading east to land in our new home. We would covet your prayers for the journey! If you want to follow along, my public Instagram account is the.modern.pilgrim

May God bless you and your families, and I’ll see you soon!

Peace+ Pastor Rebekah