The congregation at St. John’s United Church of Christ in High Hill is pleased to announce Rev. Steve Westbrook as its new pastor.

After the former pastor, Rev. Don Deeker, retired a couple of years ago after serving 15-plus years, a search committee was formed and the search for a new pastor began. Westbrook comes to St. John’s United Church of Christ with impressive experience and the church is excited to have him as the new pastor.

Westbrook and his wife Kim are blessed with four adult children and three grandchildren, their greatest joys these days.

Westbrook has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in religion from DePaul University in Greencastle, Ind., and a Master’s of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis.

From serving local missions to being settled in a new church and working as an interim pastor over the last 35 years, Westbrook brings a variety of gifts. One of his favorite quotes is, “The church does not have a mission in the world; God’s mission in the world has a church!” Westbrook is caring, compassionate, committed, creative and resourceful. He loves mission work, all sports and fishing.

Everyone is invited to come to St. John’s UC on Sunday mornings. Sunday School starts at 8:45 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m.