Each turn of the calendar brings to attention “threshold crossings” that arrive with the twin opportunities to “let go and let come.” The current happenings at Bread of Life certainly bear witness to that.
Before the end of 2021, Ben Eastvold informed the board that he would be leaving his position as Center Director. Ben has been very forthright with us over the past months as he has faithfully been doing the work of discernment. We are happy for him as he steps wholeheartedly into his call to work directly with underserved communities.
We are immensely grateful to him for the time he spent here. Ben navigated the challenges of the pandemic while streamlining our operations and making our work more accessible through our website. He has negotiated new contracts for us and kept a steady hand on our financial well-being. He is truly leaving the center in a better place than when he arrived. He has helped position the Center for that ever-elusive time when we can open our doors more widely.
We anticipate hosting a “Bless and Release” celebration at Bread of Life once the current Omicron surge subsides to honor what has emerged under his leadership and to bless him on his way.
Several months ago, Ben hired Jen Goto as Office Manager and had already been preparing her to expand her work in anticipation of his departure. Because Jen Goto brings an extensive background of spiritual formation work that had not yet been tapped here, we reached out to see if she would be interested in interviewing for the Center Director position. The Board met with her and we are enthusiastic about announcing that Jen will serve as our Interim Center Director as we mutually discern our next steps.
Jen is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church and has been on leave as she discerns her next call. Currently, she is in the internship to be a spiritual director through Mercy Center Burlingame. Jen’s experience includes being a youth minister, a pastor, and a retreat leader with Upper Room Ministry where she worked with faculty on a variety of spiritual formation topics. We are confident that you will enjoy working with Jen and we look forward to the months ahead with her as Center Director.
A Warm Welcome to Jen Goto!
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Bread of Life community and to have worked alongside Ben for these past three months. Throughout my ministry, spiritual formation has been a primary focus, so I come with my own experiences and ready to learn from yours.
My great hope is that as people are transformed by our work together, the ripple effects will make the world a little bit brighter, filled with more justice and love. I look forward to meeting you!” Jen Goto