These FAQs have more information about the UCC process for engaging Senior Ministers.

What is an Interim Minister?

Not surprisingly, an Interim Minister leads a congregation through interim tasks related to the future of a church—usually a search process. At the same time, the Interim Minister helps with a full range of pastoral duties, including leading worship, visitation, and supporting the life of the church and its congregation. This is a contracted position that lasts until the Settled Minister is in place.

What is a Settled Minister?

A Settled Minister is called by a vote of the Congregation and enters into a Covenant with the church to serve for a longer term. The Settled Minister carries out the full range of pastoral duties, including leading worship, visitation, and leading the life of the church and its congregation.

Why do we need an Interim Minister?

Can’t we skip this step and start the search for our Settled Minister immediately? Having an Interim Minister in place as we begin the search for our Settled Minister gives us the time and support necessary to conduct a process that will have an enormous impact on the future of ACC. It also helps us be a stronger, more attractive home for candidates seeking a church that is stable and well-supported when the Settled Minister arrives.

What will the Settled Minister search process look like?

Council will assemble a committee representative of church members to review and interview candidates who respond to our church profile and listing with the UCC. Many members of the interim search committee have already expressed interest in continuing with the settled minister search, and additional members may join, depending on search needs. After prayerful consideration, the committee will present a candidate to the congregation for a congregational vote.

What happens if we don’t have an Interim Minister in place after Easter?

In this case, the Deacons will work with Church Council to identify bridge ministerial support for worship and other pastoral duties until an Interim Minister is hired. The UCC provides a range of resources to assist churches with contracting for bridge support, and we will be drawing from these resources.

Thank you for your generous support of Acton Congregational Church. Your participation and commitment are vital as we live God's love together. Upcoming Guest Preachers

We are excited to have an amazing roster of guest preachers at the beginning of our transition period.

Schedule

Feb 9, 2025 - Bridget Chamberas, ACC Lay Preacher

Feb 16, 2025 - Jeff McHarg, ACC Lay Preacher

Feb 23, 2025 - Rev. Cindy Maybeck, Guest Preacher

Mar 2, 2025 - Rev. Linda Michel, Guest Preacher

Mar 9, 2025 - Rev. Larry Iannetti, Guest Preacher

Mar 16, 2025 - Rev. Larry Iannetti, Guest Preacher