As I will be arriving soon at First Parish Church, the Search Committee requested that I tell you a bit about my background and experience.  I am a native Californian, having lived on the west coast until my husband; Barry and I were relocated to Boston.  Although at the time we understood the transfer to be temporary, given that we arrived over twenty-one years ago we have since grown to see New England as our home.

Before attending seminary, I worked in software development at firms in the California area.  It was while I was working at Hughes Aircraft Company, that I met my husband, Barry, who is a Systems Engineer.  However not long after we relocated and made our home in New England, I experienced the stirrings of pursuing ordained ministry.  So in 1991 I enrolled at Andover Newton Theological School, working towards my Masters in Divinity part-time while raising our young children.  Having graduated in 1997, I was later hired as Director of Christian Education at Community Church in Durham, NH.  I retained this position until receiving my first call to serve a church in Cambridge, MA, as Associate Pastor.  Later I went on to serve other churches both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire focusing on worship, religious education & youth ministry, equipping lay ministry and pastoral care.

My husband Barry, who works at Raytheon in Bedford, MA, and I have three children who now are all quite grown up.  Our eldest Kevin (24 years) lives in the Boston area and presently works for Apple Computer.  Our daughter Jenny (22 years) is pursuing graduate studies in the UK and our youngest, Brian (19 years) is a sophomore at UMass Dartmouth.  

Although I am the first ordained minister in my family, during my childhood, teen and young adult years, the church community played a pivotal role in my formation – shaping me in ways that continue to bear fruit even now.  It was in the church that I came to appreciate the critical connection between being a part of a community that sustains us while prayerfully living into the very practices that make a difference in our community and the world.

I look forward to serving as your Interim Associate Minister during this time of transition and growth in the life of First Parish Church.  Given Rev. Dr. Bendroth’s ample experience and gifts in leadership, I welcome the opportunity to serve alongside your Interim Senior Minister while collaborating with the other talented members of the staff and lay leaders of your congregation. 

I look forward to meeting all of you soon.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jessica A. McArdle
Interim Associate Minister

Reverend Jessica McArdle