A California native, Rev. Karen graduated from San Diego State University with a BSc in biology. After a few years working in biotechnology in San Diego, Karen spent 18 months as paid crew sailing on big yachts in the Atlantic and Pacific, visiting many beautiful islands and seaside towns. Karen moved to England in 1991, where she worked for 17 years as a Research Technician at the University of Liverpool Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After her two children were born, and through her involvement with local Anglican churches, Karen felt called to ordained ministry. In 2009 she graduated with honors from the University of Leeds, earning a BA in Theology and Pastoral Studies, and was ordained as a transitional deacon in 2009 and as priest in 2010 at Chester Cathedral, England. Karen then ministered full time in two parishes in England, before moving back to California in 2018, accepting a call to Grace Church and settling in Fairfield.
Aside from working with the parish, Karen loves spending time with family, gardening, walking her family's dogs, being at the ocean, watching basketball (especially the Sacramento Kings), and listening to her favorite band, Switchfoot!
The Very Rev. Perry W. Polk was reared in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Baylor University with BBA majoring in economics. After a 20-year Air Force career, he settled in Fairfield. He retired as a school district Information Technology Director after 18.5 years and consulted for another five years. Called to ordination in 2005, Rev. Perry began seminary at the Pacific School of Religion. At the end of his middle year, he chose to change denominations and seminaries. He earned an MDiv at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in May 2008. Rev. Perry was ordained Priest on June 13, 2009 and became an Associate Priest at Grace Church in Fairfield. After serving as Long-Term Supply Priest at Grace Church, on July 1st 2014 he became the Interim Rector and held that position until August 31, 2018. He holds an MBA from the University of Oklahoma and an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Northwest Nazarene. He is a member of the board of the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California and the Diocesan Commission on Canons and Constitution. He serves as the Squadron Commander of the Civil Air Patrol squadron at Travis AFB. Perry is also the Area Dean for Wingfield Deanery.
