Kay Bjurstrom

By Julie Overholt

Kay is lady #3 in the front row. :)

It seems love is in the air a little thicker these days, and I have someone I would *love* for you to meet! You may want to grab some chocolate to go with your coffee or tea while you enjoy reading our interview this month. I’m seeing an abundance of it in the stores right now along with all of those love notes and cards, and one piece (or two) can make a moment sweeter. :)

Once upon a time, (a month that focuses on love deserves a fairytale beginning don’t you think?) there was a gentleman named Clayton Bjurstrom and a lady named Kay…

Clayton and Kay met while they were both attending Grace College. They were in the same choir class together. At the end of a spring break choir tour during their freshman year Clayton first asked Kay to go out with him. They talked the whole way home and have been together ever since! They have celebrated 36 years of marriage together. Their three children are now grown and their family has extended to three more children, and three grandchildren.  Their oldest child is Kent. He is married to Stephanie, and they have three boys: Trey, Colby, and Cayden. Kent is the youth pastor here at SGC. Cassie Jarrard is Clayton's and Kay's middle child. She is married to Josh and is employed with Sail-Rite in the marketing department. They live in Columbia City, IN. The youngest child of Clayton and Kay is Keith. He is married to Casey and they live in Noblesville, IN where Keith is a recruiter for the Petro-chemical industry. 

Kay says that she and Clayton enjoy doing many things together, but something that has kept them particularly close has been working in ministry together. It has given them common ground rather than each of them moving in a different direction. They are able to talk together about the ministry as well as having the same people in common that they come in contact with as they minister. 

Kay has been at Sugar Grove all of her life and as a result has been involved in a variety of ministries. Over the years these have included: being a choir member, pianist, co-leader of Kids in Christian Singing (a children’s choir), Sunday school teacher, nursery worker, VBS worker, and Bible study leader. Her greatest passion in ministry has been working with the youth of SGC. Clayton and Kay have been involved in the youth ministry for roughly 34 years. “It is fun, challenging, and very worthwhile!!” (My own daughter has benefited from Kay’s youth ministry, and has been blessed by her warmth and caring heart. Thank you Kay!)

Kay was born and raised in Goshen. She graduated from Concord High School and later, Grace College. Her major was Biology and after graduation she worked as a bacteriologist at Plumrose in Elkhart. She was employed until she had her first child, after which she stayed at home to raise her family. It was at that time that she decided to try teaching piano lessons to make a little spending money. She has now been teaching piano for 32 years! She also accompanied the choirs at Northridge High School for 10 years.

Kay has known Jesus all of her life. She was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. They began every morning with family devotions and it was during one of these precious family times at the age of 3 ½ that she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Her parents were very involved in the church and so she was there a lot. As a result she became active in the children’s and youth activities. The summer before going into Jr. High she was baptized and it was at this time that she also rededicated her life to Christ. “As with anyone, the Christian life is a process and it was the same for me. I didn’t always say and do the right things, and I have a few regrets, but I am very thankful that God is patient and didn’t give up on me.”   

Kay has been involved in the Precept bible studies since they began at Sugar Grove close to 20 years ago. “I don’t remember exactly when they started, but I love digging into God’s Word and seeing what He wants me to know. I just wish I could remember everything I have learned. This has probably been the best thing I have done to deepen my relationship with God, and to grow in my Christian walk.” Among many verses from God’s Word that are special to Kay, several from Colossians 3 have always been a favorite: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-3

Kay’s life has been influenced greatly by her mother. “She has set a great example of being a servant and a prayer warrior. She has taught me much in regards to leading a child to Christ, which in turn gave me confidence to talk to adults and teens. I know that our family has also benefited greatly from the prayers of my parents. I will not fully know the effects of their prayers until I get to heaven, but I can see their results even now.”

In the midst of a busy schedule Kay enjoys the following in her free time: “I love to read, play the piano, work outside, sew, travel, work out, and play with my grandkids!!” Her favorite holiday is Christmas, but she really does enjoy every holiday and their respective seasons. “About the time I get tired of one season, the next one comes along. I love the changes that each season brings and the special times associated with each of them.”

And now, some quickie questions:

What brings laughter into your life? Friends, funny people, my grandkids, funny movies, and “I Love Lucy.”

Something people may not know about me? I have a great fear of birds. I like to watch them from a distance, but if they are close enough to swoop on me, peck me, or flap their wings in my face, I freak out! I have embarrassed many of my friends by screaming loudly, digging my fingernails in them, and hiding under chairs at the beach to get away from them! (Am I the only one chuckling at this mental picture?) :)

Three words to describe myself: outgoing, caring, fun-loving

Tomboy or princess? Tomboy, but I do have princess moments.

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Oceanside or mountainside? Oceanside

The perfect meal? Any that I don’t have to cook or pay for!

Worst food ever? Cooked dandelion greens

I’d love to travel to: Israel

A favorite Bible character? Esther. She was beautiful, courageous, and didn’t back down from doing what God asked of her.

Three activities/things that bring peace to your life and help you to relax? Quiet times alone with God. As I focus my thoughts on His Word it brings perspective and peace. Working out/exercise. And, vacations.

I personally want to thank you, on behalf of all the women of worth at SGC, for sharing part of you with us, Kay! And, this month as we focus on love it is my prayer and desire for all of us to remember the One who loved us FIRST and loves us the most. No matter your circumstances, whether good or difficult, painful or joyful, may you come to know and understand in brand new ways the great love the Father has lavished upon YOU.