Janet Sonnanburg, Transitional Pastor

Janet Sonnanburg is a native of the Pacific Northwest. She was born in Spokane, and has lived in the Northwest most of her life. She has a twin brother, and an older brother and sister, also twins. She enjoys hearing people (particularly parents) gasp at hearing that, especially when she adds that the two sets of twins are just 13 months apart.

Janet gained another sister while living in Seoul, Korea, from the time she was 10 until she was 14. Her father, an agricultural economist, worked for USAID. While volunteering at an orphanage, Janet’s mother brought home a baby girl to foster, expecting her to be adopted. After a couple of adoptions fell through, Molly became a permanent part of the family.

Janet graduated from Whitworth College (now University) and then Princeton Theological Seminary. Her first call was as an associate pastor at a large church in Michigan, responsible for adult education and young adult ministry among other things. While there, Janet and her husband Keith, a clinical psychologist, had two sons, Kevin and Luke. Since returning to the Northwest, she has served several churches in transitional and temporary positions, both in our presbytery and in the Seattle presbytery. She’s also served the presbytery in several leadership positions.

Janet enjoys spending time in nature, although somewhat serious hikes have given way to shorter ones. She also enjoys gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends, and good food accompanied by good conversation. 

 


Christina Po, Accompanist