Alumni News
Prof. Steven Sandage co-authors POV article in BU Today on humility among religious leaders
The following is an excerpt from the article “POV: Religious Leaders Talk About the Value of Humility, but It Can Be Hard for Clergy to Practice What They Preach” co-authored by Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology Steven Sandage, published on January 16, 2025 by BU Today.
Being a religious leader means wearing many different hats. At times, their congregations expect them to convey passionate confidence—to be models of faith and strength. But wise leadership also means listening and being willing to change your mind: from navigating a congregation in crisis to questioning once-firm beliefs.
The ones who can effectively balance these tensions seem to possess a key virtue: intellectual humility.
Rev. Patricia Berry (’21) serving as UCC of Newport’s First Woman Pastor
The following is an excerpt from the What's Up Newp article by Ryan Belmore, “Historic Ordination: United Congregational Church ordains first woman pastor in 330 Years,” published on January 8, 2025. Click here to read the full article.
"While raising three children, Berry earned her Master of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined United Congregational Church of Newport in Middletown, initially as Minister of Faith Formation and now as Bridge Pastor.
Rev. Berry’s ministry, defined by a welcoming 
and inclusive approach that honors each person’s unique journey, was shaped by her childhood. Her grandmother’s deep spirituality had a profound impact on her, as did early church experiences. A pivotal moment at age nine—when she was told that girls couldn’t serve at the altar—motivated her to speak out against injustice. From that early age, Rev. Berry recalls, 'I felt drawn to speaking up for equality, justice, and God’s love for all.' Her early work in community organizing, advocacy, and missions further deepened her commitment to these values and paved the foundation for her transformational ministry, rooted in social justice and expanding God’s circle of love."
Dr. Ruth C. Duck (’89)
The following obituary was originally published by the Claremont Courier and can be found here.
Ruth Carolyn Duck died peacefully from pneumonia on December 26, 2024, with loved ones near her.
Born in Washington D.C. on November 21, 1947 to Jesse Thomas Duck and Louise Farmer Duck, Ruth grew up in Washington and in Annapolis, MD. At the age of sixteen she and her family moved to Memphis, TN where she learned of the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and soon became clear about the injustice of racism. She earned her BA from Southwestern at Memphis University (now Rhodes College) in 1969, a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary in 1973, a Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in 1987, and a Doctor of Theology from Boston University School of Theology in 1989. Her academic work focused on liturgy, worship, and the Trinitarian baptismal formula.
An ordained minister in the United Church 
of Christ, pastor at several UCC churches in earlier years in the Midwest, a liturgical theologian and professor of worship who taught for 27 years at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, she was best known as the writer of some 200 published hymn texts and psalm paraphrases. Her hymns appear in numerous hymnals and supplements; she is often among those who have contributed the largest number of hymns in a given hymnal. She was a pioneer in the use of inclusive language that embraces everyone and enlarges our images of God in both hymn texts and other elements of Christian worship. “All of her hymns are deeply scriptural, arising from Ruth’s deep biblical knowledge,” a friend shared. “In addition, Ruth’s sense of multiculturalism enabled issues of justice, equality, and care for God’s creation to shape her creative crafting of hymns and worship resources.”
She was a life member of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, which named her a fellow in 2013, in recognition of her pioneering work in inclusive language for worship and her preeminence as a hymn poet and teacher.
She was a member and former president of the North American Academy of Liturgy; in 2018, she received its highest honor, the prestigious Berakah Award, that recognized her long-term contributions to liturgical scholarship and practice.
She enjoyed travels to many countries worldwide, lecturing, leading worship, and offering mentoring workshops on worship and hymn writing. She has written and edited numerous books, articles, and worship resources about and for Christian worship. In the last seven years of her life, she was a resident of Pilgrim Place, an intentional continuing care retirement community in Claremont.
“Preceded in death by members of her small family, she will be missed by cousins Elene and Larry Cooper; many loving friends; and numerous students, all of whom benefited from the gift of her hymns, her worship leadership, her teaching, and her inspiring life,” a friend added.
A celebration of her life with singing of some of her hymns will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 22 in Decker Hall at Pilgrim Place, 665 Avery Rd., Claremont, CA 91711. The service will be live-streamed on Zoom and available afterward online. Visit ruthduck.com for the Zoom link or to view the recording.
Rev. Arthur Athans (’62)
The following obituary was originally posted by Tasker Funeral Service and can be found here.
Rev. Dr. Arthur E. Athans (Athanasios Emmanuel Athanasiou) of Dover, NH fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, December 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Kimi on the island of Evia, 
Greece on December 9, 1930, the son of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel and Presbytera Anna (Karalis) Athans. He attended Panteion University in Athens, and the University of Toronto, and graduated from Holy Cross Theological Seminary in Brookline with a BA in 1956 and a BD in 1957. In 1962 he received a Master in Systematic Theology degree from Boston University, and a PhD in1992 from Somerset University in England.
Father Athans was ordained a deacon on August 15, 1955 in Somerville, MA and to the priesthood on October 9, 1955 in New London, CT by Bishop Athenagoras.
In 1955 he was assigned to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dover, NH. Within a year, the church was destroyed by fire and by the Fall of 1957, under his guidance, the new church was completed. Father Athans was also instrumental in building a Hellenic Center in 1966, buying picnic grounds and enlarging the church cemetery grounds for the Dover community.
Father Athans had been married to Presbytera Keta (Xanthos) of Brooklyn, NY for almost 70 years. They have two daughters, Geriann, married to Dr. John Athans, and Barbara, married to Les Hoogeveen, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He had been awarded the titles of Sakellarios by Bishop Athenagoras in 1957, Hieromnemon by his Eminence Archbishop Iacovos in 1965, Economou by his Eminence Archbishop Iacovos in 1974, and Protopresbyter by Patriarch Demetrios in 1980. During his tenure in Dover, Father Athans served on many committees including the Citizens Advisory Council, Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse in NH, the New England Clergy Brotherhood, St. Andrew, where he served as Treasurer and Vice President, the Dover Industrial Development Authority, where he served as Treasurer, and the Wentworth Douglas Hospital Pharmaceutical Investigatory Committee. In 2015, he received the Spiritual Care Award from Wentworth-Douglas Hospital, and the Ministry Award from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston.
He served as chaplain at the University of New Hampshire for 25 years and taught for 15 years in the department of Classics at UNH.
Father Athans retired in 1995 after 40 years of service to the Annunciation in Dover NH and subsequently served the neighboring community of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Somersworth, NH for 15 years.
Along with his parents, Father Athans is predeceased by his siblings John and Zaharoula.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Keta Athans; children, Geriann Athans, and husband, Dr. John Athans, of Dover, NH and Barbara Athans-Hoogeveen and husband, Les Hoogeveen, of Dover, NH; siblings, Sotiris, and Nicholas, both of Greece, sister-in-law Stella, of Seattle, WA; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Family and Friends are called to visit on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5 PM – 8 PM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 93 Locust St, Dover, NH 03820. The Trisagion will be prayed at 6 PM on Friday. Divine Liturgy will be on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 9 AM, followed by a visitation from 10 – 11 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 AM. All Services will be officiated at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dover.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dover or the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Somersworth. Envelopes will be available at the church. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.taskerfuneralservice.com.
Senior Minister, Full-Time, Congregational: Quincy, MA
General Description:
The Senior Minister is in charge of the spiritual welfare of the church and serves as the leader of the spiritual life of the congregation. They facilitate members’ spiritual journey and discovery through leading worship services, studies and educational sessions along with outreach activities in the community bringing Christ’s word and message outside of the church walls.
The minster serves as an inspiration and example of Christianity lived in modern life, bringing the teachings of our Lord Jesus to life in our current world. They are one of the most visible faces of our congregation to the community, supporting activities in the local and larger community, engaging the community to connect with our congregation, bringing the love of Christ into the everyday world, demonstrating true Christian Faith to all, as taught by Jesus.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead Sunday worship in collaboration with our Minister of Music
• Work with lay church leadership (the Deacons) to develop and execute programming to support the spiritual life of the congregation
• Work with lay leadership (the Trustees) to promote stewardship of the churches financial resources.
• Be a “face” of the church to the lager community helping to bring God’s love into the wider community.
Please reach out to firstchurchsquantum@gmail.com for any inquiries or info.
Church website: www.firstchurchsquantum.org
The position is also posted on the NACCC website:
www.naccc.org/resources/pastoral-search/#openpulpits
Rev. Vernon K. Walker, Jr. (’16) Preaching at Multifaith Martin Luther King, Jr. Service
The following is a segment from the article “Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Multifaith Service” published by the Coalition for Peace Action. Click here to read the full event announcement.
"The annual Multifaith Service to Honor the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, co-sponsored by CFPA and the Princeton Clergy Association. Diverse faith leaders from a wide range of traditions will co-lead the worship Service.
...
[Rev. Walker] attended Penn State University 
for college where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Psychology. After graduating from Penn State University, He attended Boston University and earned a Master Degree in Theological Studies (MTS) with a focus on community engagement. He also attended Tufts University and earned a Master in Public Policy degree (MPP).
...
The Service is free and open to the public.
A free-will offering will be received to benefit Coalition for Peace Action and the Poor People's Campaign.
If you cannot attend in person, please click here to watch via livestream at any time beginning at 7:00 PM"
Rev. John Robert Lilly (STH ’58, GRS ’63)
The following obituary was originally posted by James H. Delaney and Son Funeral Home and can be found here.
It is said of John R. Lilly that he took an interest in every person he met. He passed away at age 91, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Stoneham, Massachusetts on January 18, 1933, he was the son of George and Eleanor Louise (Hamlin) Lilly. Education was very important to John throughout his life. Following graduation from Melrose High School in 1951, as the first in his family to go to college, he attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, earning a B.A. in History. During his time there, he developed an intense interest in helping others and was inspired to join the ministry. This led him to embark on a further educational journey, at Boston University’s School of Theology. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and then immediately pursued a PhD in Social Ethics while serving as a Pastor at the South Walpole United Methodist church. After John completed all of his PhD coursework, Bishop James Mathews offered him an ambitious assignment: to start a new church in Boston that would combine multiple disparate congregations. It proved too important to pass up. John left his dissertation unfinished in order to start Old West Church near Boston’s government center, where he succeeded in creating a warm and welcoming community.
John’s eagerness to make a difference in the world was also driven in part by making Martin Luther King, Jr.’s acquaintance while at Boston University and becoming involved in the Civil Rights Movement. John ultimately attended numerous marches with Dr. King, including the famous 1963 march on Washington. John’s interest in social ethics would drive a life-long devotion to promoting civil rights and social justice.
John subsequently served as pastor of multiple churches – in Brookline, Newton and Lexington supported by his beloved wife Shirley, whom he married in 1958. In 1970, John made a bold career change to work at the Foxboro Company, then a Fortune 500 company. But he never stopped caring about people or trying to make a difference in their lives. He ended up running the company’s educational services department and then eventually transitioned to an organizational development/industrial psychology role, being dispatched around the globe to solve conflicts, relying on his pastoral counseling skills, and ultimately ending his career there working for the office of the president, liaising with key figures in Washington, D.C.
Following a stint as an executive career 
coach at Right Management Associates in Providence, John returned to the church. He and Shirley had been very active members of United Church in Walpole, which they ultimately attended for 40+ years, and he was persuaded to transfer his credentials from the Methodist church to the United Church of Christ. He became the Minister of Pastoral Care at the First Congregational Church in Natick, serving with his good friend, Reverend Victoria Alford Guest. And recently he was named Pastor Emeritus of United Church in Walpole.
Even when he wasn’t a full-time pastor, John always gave back, often by mentoring new pastors. And one of his great joys was speaking each year with the recipients of the Rev. John R. Lilly Endowed Scholarship Fund at Boston University School of Theology, which was established in his honor by the Lilly family, through The SJL Foundation. The endowed scholarship will ensure that future theology students have the resources necessary to benefit from the opportunities made possible through a Boston University education in both their faith and their academic endeavors.
It was not all work for John. Travel was one of John’s many passions. Throughout their 66-year marriage, John and Shirley loved to travel, and the list of countries they have visited is quite long – from an African safari when John was 80, to climbing the Great Wall of China in 1994, to visiting many other countries throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He loved engaging with other cultures, appreciating their art, architecture, and music, trying new cuisines, spending time with good friends and nurturing his excellent photography skills. Even more beloved were family vacations with children and grandchildren in Wellfleet and St. John, USVI, where he passed on a love of boogie boarding and snorkeling.
John remained a life-long learner with many interests, including a love of reading—both fiction and non-fiction. He also enjoyed music, especially the Boston Symphony Orchestra. And he loved being active. He and his family were members of the White Mountain Ski Runners in North Conway, NH, where he enjoyed cross-country skiing. He was also a keen tennis player.
Throughout his life, John dedicated himself to helping and supporting others in whatever ways he could. Even during his recent hospital stay at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, John always took the time to get to know the nurses’ names, where they studied, about their kids, and introduced Shirley to them like old friends. His love of and support of mankind will be sorely missed.
Most of all, he will be missed as a loving husband, father and grandfather who regularly attended his granddaughters’ soccer games, dance recitals, choral concerts and high school graduation. Above all else, family was the most important to him.
Beloved husband of Shirley A. (Polk) Lilly.
Loving father of Susan Lilly and her husband Michael Malinoski of Sudbury, and Jeffrey Lilly of Walpole.
Cherished grandfather of Nicole Malinoski and Sarah Malinoski.
Brother of George D. Lilly and his wife Denise of Santa Barbara, California, and Dana Lilly and his late wife Ellen of Venice, Florida.
Beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews.
All are invited to attend John’s Celebration of Life at United Church in Walpole, 30 Common Street, Walpole, Massachusetts on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 am. To celebrate John’s life, the family requests that attendees wear bright colors. Interment will take place privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to United Church in Walpole, P.O. Box 287, Walpole, MA 02081, noting JWM on the memo line (for Justice and Witness Ministries, a program to promote understanding of social issues).
Rev. Sanford Fasth, (DGE ’53, Questrom ’55, STH ’58)
The following obituary was originally posted by Wareham Week and can be found here.
Rev. Sanford "Sandy" Fasth, 91, of Wareham, died Sunday, December 22, 204 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. He was the husband of Ginny W. (Wilson) Fasth and were married for 66 years.
Rev. Fasth was born in Schenectady, NY and was the son of the late Carl and Ida Fasth. He received his BS in Business from Boston University, followed by his master's degree from Boston University School of Theology.
Rev. Fasth's first assignment was the First 
Congregational Church in Kensington, NH where he married his wife Ginny on Thanksgiving Day in 1958. He then was pastor at the First Congregational Church in Westminster, the Federated Community Church in Hampden, then the First Congregational Church in Wareham where he served from 1980 until his retirement in 1998.
He enjoyed watching baseball, reading and riding his bicycle.
Survivors include his wife Ginny of Wareham; his children, Rebecca Marshall of Bangor, ME, and Merl Fasth of E. Longmeadow; his grandchildren, Gregg, Jenna and Evan. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, the late Norman Fasth, Betty McIntosh, Doris Mathiesen and Jane Rogers.
Graveside services in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Hampden, MA will take place in the spring.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.
Director of Music, Part-Time, Baptist: Medford, MA
The First Baptist Church of Medford seeks a Director of Music to lead the congregation in its sacred worship from the organ and to collaborate with the minister to promote an integrated, holistic, and engaged music ministry for the sake of the church and the wider Medford community.
Qualified Applicants may write a brief note of inquiry to Pastor Greg Sakal, associate@firstbaptistchurchmedford.org
The Director of Music serves both as organist and choir director. The position requires 6–8 hours a week (or roughly 1/4 time).
The duties include:
- Sunday morning services
- Thursday evening and Sunday morning choir rehearsals, September to first Sunday in June
- Special services on Xmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, Christmas & Spring Concerts, and one outreach event
- Choosing choral literature with the help of the Director of the Choral Fellows and Scholars Program
- Organizing soloists/ensembles for summer services
See job description for compensation and audition information.
View/download the complete position description here:
https://firstbaptistchurchmedford.org/director-of-music-search
Youth Minister, Full-Time, UCC: New Canaan, CT
Summary:
The Congregational Church of New Canaan is a welcoming, inclusive and compassionate church community where difference and diversity are valued. We gather to promote the love and knowledge of the God revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Redeemer and Friend, and welcome all to participate in the life of our church regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
We foster a large, vibrant, and enthusiastic youth community in which our 200+ K-12 participants may experience and share the love of God. To learn more about our youth programs, please visit https://godsacre.org/children-programs-youth-groups/ .
The Youth Minister role is comprised of both a relational ministry commitment with the youth of the community, as well as an administrative role to plan and execute said ministry. The Youth Minister, with the guidance and support of the Senior Minister and the Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families, is responsible for envisioning, developing and implementing excellent youth programming and in aiding the spiritual development and growth of youth participating in our groups.
The Youth Minister is responsible for leading one of three of our major youth programs (YG (Comprised of approximately 100 9-12th grade students), Quest (Comprised of a subset of 9-12th grade students) and Confirmation (8th grade students)); the other two programs will be led by the Senior Minister and/or Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families. Personal interest and long-term ministerial growth will be taken into consideration when assigning division of duties. The Youth Minister leads all K-7th grade youth group programming with the assistance of part-time youth advisors, parent volunteers and a youth administrative coordinator.
The Youth Minister’s role is full-time and reports to the Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families. The nature of the role lends itself to non-standard work hours and a flexible work schedule; Sunday afternoon/evenings and evening week night work hours are expected. Travel for retreats, off-sites, and mission trips is required.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Involvement in all and lead of most of the church’s youth programming (grades K-12), which includes YG, MSYG, JYG, Minnows, Guppies, Quest and Confirmation.
- Execute ministry programs for youth as assigned by Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families, including curriculum development/selection, enrollment, space usage, record keeping, budget management, supplies, and schedules.
- Organize, develop and execute the yearly calendar and curriculum for Youth Ministries; Plan weekly youth events including program content, prayer, communications, staffing and administration.
- Plan, prepare, lead and execute mission trips, overnights and/or other offsite events.
- Coordinate other local service projects, special events, youth worships, retreats and mission trips.
- If assigned Youth Group (YG), lead a team of 6-8 Youth Advisors. Recruit and train advisors and/or junior advisors as needed.
- Lead Youth and/or Middle School Ministry Team(s) alongside lay chair.
- Lead/participate in any other lay ministry teams for assigned youth groups.
- Utilize, give direction to and work alongside Youth Program Coordinator for administrative needs.
- Maintain a regular presence in the community and develop relational ministry with youth:
- Maintain a steady presence/visibility in the lives of the youth. As appropriate, be a presence in the community by attending events such as athletic events, concerts, plays, etc.
- Be a faithful presence in the church community including occasional participation at church services, bible study groups or special events.
- Support the youth group ministry teams comprised of adult members with the mission of supporting the execution of program activities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with other youth leaders.
- Network and meet with parents to integrate them into the youth program.
- Periodically assist in religious services held by or at the Church as directed by the Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families and/or Senior Minister.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Prior experience in teaching, working with youth, or related discipline.
Desired Characteristics:
- Excellent leadership skills
- An understanding of the needs of individuals at various levels of intellectual, theological, social and emotional development.
- Effective self-management skills including but not limited to meeting deadlines, effective prioritization of tasks, self-organization and efficient time and task management.
- Ability to adapt, problem solve and remain flexible to a changing environment.
- Tact and sensitivity, including but not limited to adhering to confidentiality obligations such as mandated reporting as part of child protection.
- Ability to build strong and effective collegial relationships with parents, participants and staff.
- Ability to deal with conflict and resolve situations in an emotionally mature manner.
- Ability to communicate and build relationships effectively and appropriately with diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to children and families and colleagues
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
- Strong faith-based ethical standards and personal integrity
Salary and Benefits
$70-80K salary range with benefits + local housing or housing allowance
To Apply
Interested candidates should email ymsearch@godsacre.org with resume and/or any questions about the process. You may also contact Katrina Parkhill at (203) 595-1547.
Please email katrinaparkhill@gmail.com (Chair, Youth Minister Search Committee) to request a full brochure and job description.