Rev. Kathleen Hepler Begins Serving at First Parish of Sudbury

First Parish of Sudbury is pleased to announce that Rev. Kathleen Hepler has begun serving as our new minister. Rev. Hepler was ordained in 1984 and served most recently as Interim Minister at First Parish Church United of Westford. Prior to that, she held the position of Senior Minister at First Parish of Framingham from 2007 to 2018. During her 38 years in ministry, she has served in many states, including CA, PA, NJ, and MD. She began her career in social work, before making the move to ministry. She earned a B.S. in Social Work from Ohio State University and a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry.

“After 38 years as a UU minister, I have an ever-increasing commitment to the power of spiritual community. Especially one that takes its vision into a world that needs our vision of justice, equity, and compassion,” comments Hepler.

First Parish Board Chair Sherri Cline was impressed with Rev. Hepler’s awareness of the challenges churches face today—as well as her optimistic outlook. “Her congregations have been impressed by her pastoral care and by her sermons which are thought-provoking and sprinkled with good humor.” Rev. Hepler has particular skill and training in helping congregations develop systemic patterns that can enhance vitality and in changing those that cause difficulty.

Rev. Hepler looks forward to welcoming the community to Homecoming Sunday, on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at 10 am, both in-person and online. Participants are encouraged to bring a small container of water, that is from (or represents) something of meaning from the summer, to share during an annual water communion. See fpsudbury.org to learn more.

First Parish of Sudbury, located at 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, is a diverse and welcoming community of spiritual seekers who strive to learn together and support one another as they celebrate life’s important moments and serve the larger community. The First Parish was founded in 1640. The congregation worships in the historic meetinghouse that was built in 1685.