Church unanimously appoints Boisvert new associate pastor

Date: 7/27/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW - After nearly a year without a permanent associate pastor, the First Church of Christ has appointed Beth A.C. Boisvert to fill the position.

Boisvert met with members of the church on July 18 and presented a sermon during services the morning of July 19. She was unanimously voted the new associate pastor at a special meeting of the congregation.

"There were so many things [that made her stand out]," Dwight Shepard, a member of the Associate Pastor Search Committee, said. "Her ability to communicate with both the older and younger members of the committee. Her spirit is engaging. Her references were incredible."

Boisvert earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies and comparative literature from Alfred University and a master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary. She had been serving as an on-call pastor for churches in Hudson and Francestown, N.H. She was nominated unanimously by the 10-member search committee.

Senior Pastor Mike Bennett noted that there were 16 applicants for the position at First Church, but Boisvert has the "best match of skills and talent" for what they were looking for.

Bennett explained that as associate pastor, Boisvert would have full pastoral responsibilities and would focus on work with children and youth.

"She and I led worship together [last Sunday]. The whole weekend went very well," Bennett said. "She's going to be a great colleague. She has some interesting ideas ... I think we'll work well together."

Boisvert told Reminder Publications this is her ideal position.

"I grew up going to church," she said. "After a childrens' day service when I was seven or eight, a pastor nicknamed me Reverend Beth. I pushed [the thought of becoming one] aside for years because I didn't think I was the reverend type ... I started thinking about ministry again [after finishing my undergraduate degree] and came to the conclusion this is where I should be in my life."

She said her first impression of Longmeadow was that the town was beautiful and that the congregation at First Church was "so warm and welcoming."

"Everyone is so excited to welcome me in," she said.

Boisvert will officially join the church on Aug. 3. She said she is a little nervous about her new position because she's got a lot to learn, but she's glad she's starting before the special autumn programs start.

"I want to get to know the kids," she stated. "One of my goals is to make faith practical for them, not just have it on Sunday at church." She added that she wants faith to be an everyday thing for youth who are still building their unique identities.

Boisvert has already won over the adult members of the congregation. "I wanted to stand up and applaud [after her sermon on July 19]," Shepard said. "I think people will be impressed with her."

Boisvert will be replacing Rev. Kelly Gallagher, who has been serving as interim associate pastor since August 2008.