Following a search that kicked off in January, we have good news: Reverend Karen Hodges has answered our call to serve as ACC’s intentional interim minister. Her start date is Tuesday, April 29th, but we will have the opportunity to meet Rev. Karen when she joins us for the Easter services led by our bridge minister, Rev. Rand Peabody. Hallelujah!
Some brief words from her bio
Rev. Karen Hodges brings a unique blend of compassion and creativity to her work. Known for her infectious joy and artistic vision, she has dedicated her life to serving others, particularly as an intentional transitional minister within the UCC. Since 2006, Karen has guided communities through change with grace, fostering environments where love and renewal can flourish. She holds degrees from UMass Lowell, Northeastern, and Andover Newton Theological School, where she gained invaluable insights during her internships at Westborough Congregational Church, First Congregational Church of Natick, and The Chaplaincy Center in Rhode Island—experiences that profoundly enriched her spiritual formation.
Raised in Acton as the daughter of Art and June Taylor, Karen’s roots run deep in the Acton community. Karen was baptized at ACC, and her first marriage took place at ACC. She cherishes the loving partnership she shares with her husband, Michael, with whom she has celebrated 26 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they treasure their role as supportive parents and grandparents, delighting in connections with their daughters, Taylor and Laurel, as well as their precious grandchildren, Archie and Magnolia.
A few quick questions for Rev. Karen
What attracted you to ACC?
When I read ACC’s profile, I was thrilled to see that as a church you have been thinking and praying about your future. You even developed a 30-page strategic plan! Hallelujah! I love the idea of leading a Spirit-filled church that has the desire and an idea about where they want to go and how they want to do that. I can’t wait to help you develop an idea of your ideal settled minister.
What will the first few months of your time with us look like?
I will be getting to know you and you will be getting to know me. Do you like to walk? I was thinking of having a weekly prayer walk at the Acton Arboretum. Let me know your thoughts and what time is good for you. Do you like coffee or tea? Maybe we could meet at a local shop. I would also like to do a book study with all of you. I am considering the book Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions by John Kotter. I would like to anchor it with the biblical book of Nehemiah, who rebuilds Jerusalem’s walls.
Is there a scripture passage you’d like to share that feels right for this moment?
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.~ Isaiah 43:19
Please give Rev. Karen the warm welcome ACC is known for as she begins her ministry with us. We know you’ll enjoy getting to know her.
submitted by the Interim Search Committee
