A ministry of travel, faith and good fortune best describes that of Rev. Sheila Rubdi.

Growing up in India, Rubdi was first prompted to ministry by her father, an Anglican priest.

“He suggested I look into studying theology,” says Rubdi, the new pastor at the First Congregational Church. “But women were not ordained at that time. So I studied history and archaeology, and eventually moved to Singapore with my husband, Victor, to teach.”

A few years later, her father passed away while visiting San Diego.

“It was very hard for me,” she says. “Yet at that same time, I was looking for something more in my life. I discovered found Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine and decided to take that step.”

Though she was easily accepted, Rubdi says international students typically are not allowed to bring family along during the first year of school. “By the grace of God,” however,” Rubdi and Victor, along with their son, Shalom, were all able to secure visas and take the plunge to America.

“Things don’t just happen like that,” she says. “I’ve been given many opportunities through the Church since then.”

Rubdi’s new position comes after a two-year search by the church reviewing nearly 170 applicants. She will be the first woman minister in the church’s 170-year history.

Previously, Rubdi was serving as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Milford, New Hampshire, a position she held since 1997. Before that, she served as pastor of the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ in Vermont.

“Getting a new job as a minister is a very long process,” she says. “You have to go through many steps to circulate your profile across the country.”

One of those steps includes “guest preaching” at churches that are interested. Rubdi visited the First Congregational Church October 16, and Church President Warren Briggs said she did a fantastic job.

“We’re really excited to have her here,” Briggs said. “The congregation voted unanimously after hearing her preach. She’s wonderful.”

Interestingly enough, Rubdi received the news of her position the same day Victor, an engineer, was offered a job after months of unemployment in Taunton.

Her first service will be this Sunday.

“Marion is a beautiful place,” she says. “Everyone is welcoming too. I’m excited to meet new people and serve the community. I have a passion to love and to help.”