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ATTLEBORO

When the Rev. Kent Palmquist chose a career in ministry years ago, he sensed he was being nudged not only by God, but also by genetics.

"It's in my blood," said Palmquist, pastor of Evangelical Covenant Church in Attleboro and the fifth member of his extended family to serve the denomination over the past century.

Now as he approaches age 66, Palmquist has decided to relinquish the pulpit to the next generation, and to embrace the freedom that retirement brings.

After 15 years at the Attleboro church, he will bid farewell to the congregation on Sunday, and embark on the next phase of his life. But while he is officially retiring, he really isn't.

"I'm just observing the Sabbath," is the way he said he prefers to describe it.

He'll be ushering in 2008 with a promise to his wife to make no commitments for the first year of retirement so they can enjoy their newfound leisure time. Once that year is over, he's expecting that something or someone will come calling, and spark his interest in some aspect of ministry that he can pursue on a part-time basis.

After all, it's been a part of his family for more than 100 years, and a focus of his life since his post-college years when he decided to enter Yale Divinity School to test the waters.

That experience affirmed his sense of calling, and he continued his studies in a seminary in Chicago in his home state, then served churches in Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota before looking toward New England and accepting the position at Evangelical Covenant in late 1992.

During his tenure, the Attleboro church evolved and expanded its ministries, and established the Little Blessings Christian pre-school program that now has 95 students, what Palmquist calls "a really wonderful success story."

New families also have joined the congregation over the years, including some that are a blend of Protestant and Roman Catholic backgrounds and who find comfort in a church that holds to tradition, focuses on scripture, and offers a sense of community.

The Evangelical Covenant denomination grew out of Lutheranism in Sweden in 1885, and adheres to the authority of scripture, but seeks the truth beyond literal readings. The denomination has position statements and guidelines, Palmquist said, but these are not binding, and differences of opinion are accepted as long as these views stem from scripture.

To hear God speak through the biblical passages, he said, "we need to read with an open heart and listening ears."

There's also a welcoming spirit that attracts newcomers. Palmquist likes to tell the story of the woman who said she came to Evangelical Covenant and decided to stay because the church has a coat rack at the door. To her, that was a signal that people are expected to take their coats off, settle in, and be part of the congregation. "A lot of people are looking for community, a place to belong," he said. "A church is not just an institution, but a community. You find your place, and are known by your name."

The congregation has a healthy membership of about 300 adults, and the influx is reflected in the church staff, which has grown from two to five full-time people since Palmquist first arrived.

The congregation's financial base is also firm, and so is the building, which has been refurbished and expanded over the years.

Palmquist said the solid state of Evangelical Covenant makes this a good time to retire.

"There's something good about leaving the congregation on a high note," he said.

He also believes the change will be good for the church.

"Whoever comes will have gifts I don't have," he said. "That will bring benefits to the congregation."

Beginning in January, a transitional pastor will initially serve the congregation until a new permanent pastor is hired, hopefully in the new year.

As for Palmquist, he will enjoy the first year, then listen for the next call.

"God will open what doors he wants to open," he said. "I can wait for that."

GLORIA LaBOUNTY can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at glabounty@thesunchronicle.com.