Alumni News
Boston University Celebrates Pride Month
This article was originally published by BU Today on May 31, 2022. The full article can be found here. Below is an excerpt only.
Celebrate Pride at These Events around Boston
From block parties to networking events, there are plenty of ways to engage
Happy Pride, Terriers! The month of June, also known as Pride month, is dedicated to celebrating members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Originally inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, Pride month has evolved into a monthlong event intended to honor and recognize LGBTQIA+ individuals’ impact on society. Of course, the city of Boston will be joining in on the fun with various festivities throughout the month of June. Here’s your rundown.
Rev. Charles R. Marble (STH ’63)
This obituary was originally published by the Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home and can be found here.
Charles Robert Marble, 84, of Gladwin (Sugar Springs), MI passed away unexpectedly at his home Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Charles was born in Detroit, MI on December 3, 1937. He was the son of Robert Marble and Alice (Herring) Marble and the eldest of 3 children. He grew up and attended high school in Detroit, MI.
Charles attended Wayne State University receiving a BA with majors in psychology and philosophy. He also ran cross country at Wayne State. He attended Boston University School of Theology earning his Bachelor of Sacred Theology. He was a member of the Boston University School of Theology Seminary Singers.
Charles met the love of his life, Janice (Beckwith) Kennedy, at Westlawn Church in Detroit, Mi in 1963 and they married on August 9, 1964 in Dansville, MI. Charles became an ordained United Methodist pastor in 1963 and served in the Detroit Annual Conference for 37 ½ years pastoring churches in Detroit, Flint, Inkster, Bay City, Burton, Dixboro and Houghton Lake. He spent many summers as a camp counselor and also facilitated many Emmaus Walks. He retired in Sugar Springs with Janice in 2000. After retirement he held four interim assignments in Poseyville, Gladwin, Beaverton/Dale and Pinconning. Charles and Janice have developed an amazing network of lifelong friends over the years.
Charles was a man of faith, family and friends and passed on many of these wonderful values and traits to his family. He touched and impacted the lives of countless people. He was always intentional in his conversations making sure people knew just how much they were valued and that their life stories were important. He took long walks almost every day and knew just about all of his neighbors within a mile or two radius. He really enjoyed meeting and talking to people, taking interest in them and helping whenever he could.
He was an avid stamp collector, enjoyed traveling, running and walking, doing puzzles, watching the Tigers, and in his earlier years, square dancing. He always enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and extra-curricular activities and these times were very precious to him.
Charles is survived by Janice, his beloved wife of 57 years, 6 children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.
Children - daughters Melissa Howard (Mark), Pam Perez (Donn), Sandra Gill, Mimi Higgins (Weldon) and sons Marcus Marble (Angela) and Steven Marble (Lily).
Grandchildren - Dylan and Grace Howard, Alan Perez, Blake Tereau, Jenna Beth and Caden Gill, Torey (and family), Taylor, Rowan and Caleb Higgins.
Other family members include brother Lee Marble (Linda), nephew Andy Marble (and family), niece Katie Marble (and family), brother-in-law Barry Bryant and niece Lisa Kemp (and family).
Charles is preceded in death by his parents Alice Marble and Robert Marble, sister Carol Bryant and niece Dawn Lademan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Charles' name that will be given to one of his favorite charities, of which he had many.
Visitation will be held at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home at 440 E. Cedar Ave., Gladwin, MI on Wednesday, May 11 from 2:00 - 8:00 pm. An additional visitation will be held on Thursday, May 12 at Gladwin United Methodist Church at 309 M-18, Gladwin, MI 48624 with family receiving guests at 2:00 pm, a memorial service beginning at 4:00 pm and a late lunch following.
A Celebration of Life, in remembrance of Charles, is being planned for this summer.
Isaiah 40:11 - He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Psalm 23
Dr. Josef Sorett (STH ’00) Appointed Dean of Columbia College
Below is an excerpt of an announcement made by Lee C. Bollinger, from the Office of the President at Columbia University, on May 24, 2022. The full press release can be found here.
Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:
I am delighted to announce that I have appointed Josef Sorett to serve as the next Dean of Columbia College and Vice President of Undergraduate Education, effective July 1, 2022.
Professor Sorett, who first came to Columbia in 2009, is a brilliant scholar, a beloved teacher, and a dedicated administrator. He is currently Professor of Religion and African American and African Diaspora Studies, Chair of the Department of Religion, and Director of the Center on African-American Religion, Sexual Politics and Social Justice. Josef received his BS in Health and Exercise Science from Oral Roberts University, his MDiv in Religion and Literature from Boston University, and his PhD in African American Studies from Harvard University.
Josef’s scholarship explores the vital and complex role that religion has played in shaping the cultures of Black communities and movements in this country. His research straddles the disciplines of history, literature, religion, art, and music. His first book, Spirit in the Dark: A Religious History of Racial Aesthetics, examines the influence of religion on debates about Black art and culture in the 20th century. His latest work, The Sexual Politics of Black Churches, investigates the politics of sexuality within Black churches and the communities they serve. Josef’s interests extend across time periods and regions, analyzing conversations about marriage equality in the present alongside debates about the Black Arts movement of the 1960s.
BUSTH Welcomes New Director of Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program
May 2022 – Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is pleased to announce the appointment of new full-time faculty member James (Jimmy) McCarty, who will begin at the end of July 2022. Dr. McCarty will join the faculty as Assistant Clinical Professor of Religion and Conflict Transformation and Director of the Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program.
Dr. McCarty is an interdisciplinary scholar with published articles in journals such as the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, Journal of Law and Religion, and Theology and Sexuality. He is a co-editor of The Business of War: Theological and Ethical Reflections on the Military-Industrial Complex, and the forthcoming The Business of Incarceration: Theological and Ethical Reflections on the Prison-Industrial Complex. He joins BUSTH from the University of Washington Tacoma, where he currently serves as the Executive Director for Equity and Inclusion. Previously, he has held dual administrative-teaching positions at Emory University, Seattle University, and has served as a minister at parish churches in California, Georgia, and Washington. He received his PhD from Emory University, and his current research is at the intersections of Christian ethics and racial justice, restorative justice, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and transformative justice.
“For generations the Boston University School of Theology and Tom Porter Program on Religion and Conflict Transformation have made substantial impacts on church and society and I am humbled to join these great lineages,” says Dr. McCarty. “I am particularly excited to lead the next era of the RCT program as it prepares Christian ministers and interfaith leaders who will build a more just and peaceful world.”
“There is great excitement for the ways that Dr. McCarty brings significant skills and gifts to build upon the legacy of the RCT program.”
“Dr. McCarty is an award-winning practitioner in building university-community partnerships with community-based organizations committed to social justice,” says School of Theology Dean G. Sujin Pak. “There is great excitement for the ways he brings significant skills and gifts to build upon the legacy of the RCT program and provide visionary leadership to grow, expand, and deepen its programs, partnerships, and teaching, as well as foster a research profile for the program.”
Director of Children and Youth Ministry, Part-Time, UMC: Cambridge, MA
Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, a welcoming and inclusive church located in Harvard Square, seeks a creative, organized and caring person to serve as Director of Children and Youth Ministry. The Director works with the pastors and staff to develop and implement plans for Christian education and faith formation of children and youth, on Sunday morning and at other times as needed. The Director also resources families for the faith formation of their children, organizes volunteers, and maintains the Safe Sanctuaries policy.
We desire a spiritually centered candidate who excels in hands-on ministry with children and youth, with a spirit of generous hospitality and a commitment to being part of a team dedicated to working toward a better world. Training in theology and church leadership is a plus, as is prior experience. This position requires flexibility, confidentiality, and the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects. Necessary digital skills include proficiency with basic computer skills as well as online platforms.
Hours: Twelve hours per week; on-site on Sunday morning, flexible during the week.
Pay: $20-$25/hour, depending on experience.
COVID-19 considerations: We follow all CDC and Mass. Dept. of Health COVID guidelines. Pandemic restrictions may affect on-site/remote work expectations. At the time of this posting, we expect Sunday School to be in person and hybrid in the fall, as well as worship.
Job Description
Position: Children and Youth Ministries Director (12 hours/week)
Reports to: Pastor
The Children and Youth Ministries Director is responsible for Christian education and faith formation of children and youth.
Specific Duties:
With pastor and Christian Education committee, develop and implement plans for Christian education of children and youth, including resourcing families for children’s faith formation.
With pastor, develop and implement plans for youth ministry.
Provide the Children’s Message during 11 a.m. Sunday Service as needed.
Ensure nursery care is available during 11am Sunday worship during the school year and summer worship services as needed.
Recruit, train and manage volunteers for Sunday School, nursery and youth events.
Manage Safe Sanctuary policy and training, CORI checks.
Organize and produce the children/youth Christmas pageant.
Participate in church staff meetings and Church Council meetings as needed.
Qualifications:
College graduate, with preference for further specific training in church leadership and theological training.
Spiritually centered with experience within a faith community.
Enjoys and excels in hands-on ministry with children, youth and families.
Prior related experience preferred.
Experience working with a team.
Strategic thinker and able to efficiently accomplish tasks to reach goals.
Able to communicate effectively.
Proficient with computers (databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, file sharing) and online platforms (Zoom, Doodle, etc.).
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to office@harvardepworthchurch.org or Harvard-Epworth UMC, 1555 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02138.
Associate for Music, Part-Time, Episcopal: Hopkinton, NH
St. Andrew’s in Hopkinton, NH is searching for a part time Associate for Music. Pending selection of the person for that position, we are also looking for an interim/supply music minister who would lead service music beginning in June.
If you or someone you know would enjoy leading a choir and congregation who love to sing, and playing our organ and piano, please contact us today!
The Associate for Music Job Description can be found here.
Apply or inquire - apply@StAndrewsHopkinton.org
https://standrewshopkinton.org
Student Ministries Coordinator, Full-Time, UMC: Washington, DC
National United Methodist Church in Washington, DC seeks a Fulltime Student Ministries Coordinator who will work in collaboration with clergy, staff, and lay leaders to develop a ministry by, with, and for youth and college-age young adults. Responsibilities include planning and implementing a creative, wide-ranging program of youth ministry, reaching out to youth and their families within the congregation and community, working in partnership with university chaplains to connect with area college students, recruiting and equipping youth leaders, and planning and leading a summer mission trip for youth. Starting salary is $60,000 with benefits.
A successful applicant will have:
• Passion for youth ministry and genuine interest in responding to the needs and concerns of youth and young adult students in the community.
• Evidence of a genuine faith and personal growth in discipleship
• Prior effective ministry leadership experience
• Basic knowledge of youth development.
Please send cover letter and resume to Hire@NationalChurch.org
National United Methodist Church does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Communications Senior Specialist, Full-Time, UMC:
The General Board of Church and Society is currently recruiting for the position of Communications Senior Specialist. The primary focus of the Communications Sr. Specialist is Digital Communications and Media Relations. This role will contribute to all aspects of the Communications Department, which includes events, print production, video development and issue management. The Sr. Specialist will help manage key aspects of the organization’s day-to-day communications needs, while also helping shape long-term strategic goals. We would greatly appreciate it if you would share this position with qualified candidates that you may know. Also, if applicable, we ask that you please post this to your website. Attached is the job posting.
The General Board of Church and Society is currently recruiting for an Communications Senior Specialist.
The deadline for receiving applications is June 17, 2022.
General Council on Finance and Administration is working with the General Board of Church and Society to recruit for a Communications Senior Specialist position. If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them view the link posting above to apply. If you have any questions about the open position, please contact Michelle Reddick, Human Resources Generalist at 615-369-2357.
The General Board of Church and Society is an equal opportunity employer.
BUSTH Hosts First In-Person May Convocation Since 2019
On Saturday, May 21, 2022, the Boston University School of Theology held its first in-person spring convocation ceremony since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Friends and families of the graduates gathered in Marsh Chapel for the hooding and diploma ceremony, and many more were able to watch live online.
“It is good to be in this place,” welcomed Dean Sujin Pak, as the congregation applauded. “I welcome each of you for this joyous occasion as we celebrate the achievements of the 2022 graduates. A special welcome to family and friends, partners and mentors who have come near and far. This is your celebration, too. For you have provided the love, the faith, [and] the support of holding cherished hopes for this day for your graduate.”
Admission Advisor, Full-Time, Higher Ed: Atlanta, GA
Emory University seeks a dynamic, energetic, and highly motivated individual to join the Candler School of Theology as a recruiter for graduate-level theological education, including those discerning a call for vocational ministry. This highly visible position is responsible for assisting the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid in attracting persons with calls to vocational ministry and interests in graduate theological education, guiding them through the process of inquiry to matriculation, and strengthening the relationships among prospects, key influencers, and Candler School of Theology.