Pastor moves from East Coast to lead Calabasas Church in the Canyon
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers NEW VOICE- The Rev. Bob Bjerkaas plans to reach out to the community and meet new people.

Moving his wife and children from a rural dairy community on the East Coast to bustling Southern California was a pretty daunting idea for the Rev. Bob Bjerkaas, but when he was asked to be pastor of the Calabasas Church in the Canyon Bjerkaas and his family made the move.

Now, after only a few weeks, the minister, his wife of 10 years, Kerrie, and their four kids- ages 2, 4, 6 and 8- are getting settled in Oak Park.

"It's a big change," Bjerkaas said. "The lifestyle, the average congregation education, living next to Malibu- it's quite a difference. But I get to meet new people, which I love to do."

Bjerkaas grew up at a small church in Maryland. He and his wife have known each other since they were toddlers, although Bjerkaas is quick to point out that they didn't start dating until he was 28.

He didn't leave the Bay State until 1999 when the family moved to Vermont where Bjerkaas served as pastor for eight years.

Next, Bjerkaas went on sabbatical to do some writing back in Maryland before searching out his next job at the pulpit.

"Then I got a call from the Church in the Canyon," Bjerkaas said. The church, associated with the Presbyterian Church in America, has been without a minister for more than a year.

"They flew me out twice earlier this year and then voted to extend a call. The vote was unanimous- that's unusual. So I don't take that for granted."

After about a month in California, Bjerkaas said there are still boxes at home that need to be unpacked. But as for his new role as leader of the Church in the Canyon, all is well.

"There are a lot of exciting ideas about reaching out to the community," Bjerkaas said. "It's a growing church with many people on their own walks with God."

Getting to know the people of the congregation and community is important to Bjerkaas. Due to limited peripheral vision, he stopped driving 10 years ago. He rides the bus to and from work.

"I really love meeting new people," Bjerkaas said. "The bus is a great place to do that. A church can't have too many people."

With about 100 people in the congregation, Bjerkaas said there is still a lot of room "for more friends." Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m., followed by Sunday school at 11 a.m. Last week an 11 a.m. "back-to-basics" adult Sunday school class kicked off, focusing on an introduction to Christian thought.

Church in the Canyon is at 4235 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas. For information, visit www.churchinthecanyon.org or call (818) 880-2060.