The United Parish of Upton unanimously called Pastor Emily Carle to be their next settled minister. Carle, a minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC), grew up in Central Connecticut where she and her family attended various UCC churches. Drawn to Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts, she found her calling from participating in the various interfaith activities on campus. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology. Afterwards, she went on to attend Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Kentucky for her Master of Divinity and Certificate in Educational Ministry.

Throughout her college and seminary years, Carle was involved in youth ministry, mission work, street ministry for people experiencing homelessness, pastoral ministry, and hospital chaplaincy. She is the author of the United Methodist Church’s 2026 Mission u Curriculum, Experiencing Emmanuel.

Carle has been involved in national church ministries such as the World Student Christian Federation, the UCC General Synod 34 and 35 worship team, the National UCC Join the Movement for Racial Justice Advisory Board, and the Churches Uniting in Christ Institute for Ecumenism.

Carle finds herself at the intersection of many varying interests, from crocheting and cleaning gravestones, to playing The Sims and watching sitcoms.

She understands her calling to center around connecting people to themselves, each other, to God, and to resources so all of God’s creation may thrive. Knowing that many people have been hurt by systems of oppression and harmful theology, preaching healthy and responsible approaches to religion is of the utmost importance to her. As a pastor, her goal is to meet people where they are at on their life journey to find healing and wholeness. The Soul Fuel Cafe and Community Supper and Food Pantry at UPU was a huge draw for Carle, who is passionate about food justice, building community, and utilizing the church building during the week.

Her partner, Rev. Sean Amato, is the pastor at Slatersville Congregational Church in North Smithfield, RI.

Pastor Emily’s first Sunday at UPU is January 5. You can reach her at [email protected].