Alumni News
Dr. Joseph R. Washington, Jr. (’61)
The following obituary was originally published on Legacy.com by Nolan-Fidale Funeral Homes and can be found here.
Dr. Joseph R. Washington, Jr. of Garnet Valley, 
Pennsylvania, passed away on Oct 7, 2024. He was 93. Son of the late Joseph R. Washington Sr. and Susie, Joseph was born in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1930, reared in Madison, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Andover Newton Theological School. He received a Th.D. in social ethics from Boston University. Joseph served as chaplain and professor of religion at Dillard University, Dickinson College, Albion College, and Beloit College in the 1960s before becoming chairman of Afro-American Studies at the University of Virginia, later at the University of California-Riverside, and the University of Pennsylvania. Among his previously published books are Black Religion: The Negro and Christianity in the United States, Black Sects and Cults, and Anti-Blackness in English Religion,1500-1800.
Joseph is preceded in death by his wife, Sophia M. Washington and son, Bryan R. Washington. He is survived by his son, David, and partner Christine along with other family members and friends.
Services are private.
Mr. Fred Holmberg (CAS ’52, STH ’56)
The following obituary was originally published by Bibber Memorial Chapel and can be found here.
A true Renaissance man, who painted portraits of the many chapters of his life through the written word.
Fred Benton Holmberg, 93, of Wells, Maine, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by the love of his life of 34 years, Jonathan, three of his four children, Eric, Karen, and Kristen (Bobby was there in spirit) and Jonathan’s sister, Amy.
Fred was born June 4, 1931, in Gloucester, Massachusetts to Fred Holmberg and Dorothy Bates Holmberg. His grandfather, John Lewis Bates, was the 41st Governor of Massachusetts (1903-1905). He grew up in Boston and Medway with his brother John and sisters Beth and Lee. The family grew up surrounded by music with his father at the violin, his mother at the piano, and neighbors and all the children joining in. Though Fred loved playing the piano, which he continued throughout his life, he was not remiss in telling people he could not read music. But, when he heard a piece, he could replicate it. Singing was constantly in the air, as well.
He spent 10 years at Boston University 
achieving degrees in Theology, Political Science and Counseling. While at BU he was part of the Seminary Singers and traveled to Europe with the Glee Club. During those years, he worked at the polio unit at Children’s Medical Center. It was a moving and rewarding experience that stayed with him throughout his life. While there he met his first wife Carol, mother of his children.
Moving to Kennebunk in 1957, as the minister of Christ Church, Fred and Carol became deeply involved with the community. Fred always boasted that he married over 800 people and buried over 800 people.
During the following years he worked as a realtor and created numerous stores. He started the Copper Candle in Kennebunkport with his friend, Thom, which still stands today.
He traveled the world, always taking one of his children to expose them to new experiences. Kristen spent her 11th birthday riding an elephant and visiting the Taj Mahal. Karen went to Paris, and he took Eric skiing in the Alps. With his second wife, Diane, he lived in Ireland and India for extended times.
Fred’s true passion though was writing. Through the years, he published 3 books of poetry (Journey, Touching and Inner Street). When he took his family on a two-month cross country trip to Alaska, he and friend Al chronicled their journey for a local paper. He had numerous articles and poems published throughout the world. In 1989, he co-wrote “Have You Forgotten” with Christine Zamoyska-Panek, a memoir of her life in Poland from 1939-1945. He wrote the story for “Little Blue” with friend and animator/illustrator, Bob Svihovec. His latest work, published in April when was 93, is “The American Bald Eagle and Me.” It is a collaboration with his daughter Kristen, who took all the photographs.
Fred met Jonathan walking on the Marginal Way in 1990 and a new chapter of their lives began. Fred always said he was the luckiest man in the world and that he was always in the right place at the right time. At 7, in Gloucester, he and his brother had a personal tour by actor Sterling Hayden of his racing schooner, the Gertrude L. Thebaud. While at Boston University he was classmates with Martin Luther King, Jr. (joining him in many marches) and had the privilege of escorting Eleanor Roosevelt around the campus for a weekend. In New Delhi, he read his poetry for then ambassador Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and worked with editor Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis on “Have You Forgotten.”
Though he traveled the world and met amazing people, he was most proud of his time in the Kennebunk community and his Sunday youth groups, where he and others mentored, counseled and introduced them to what the big world had to offer. This included driving a school bus of the group down to Panama.
We will ever be grateful to Fred’s nurse, Josh, of Beacon Hospice. He provided Fred and those with him the most amazing amount of understanding, patience, compassion, guidance, knowledge and dignity.
You were a wonderful partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. You will continue in our hearts and lives as a never-ending story.
Fred told everyone that he wanted to live to 106 because in ancient tradition you did not need to come back again. How lucky the world is that he will return in some form, likely as a bumble bee, to provide those around him comfort, wisdom and joy.
Fred will be remembered for his generous and optimistic spirit. He would always offer an ear to friend or stranger and listen sincerely without judgement.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice that represents Fred’s spirit.
There will be no formal funeral service. His ashes will be scattered in the ocean near where he lived throughout the years. A celebration of his amazing life will take place in the future.
Fred touched hundreds of people’s lives over his 93 years. If you have a special memory, please post it to the Memory Wall at www.bibberfuneral.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells, ME 04090.
Prof. Steven Sandage co-authors article in The Conversation on value of humility
The following is an excerpt from the article “Religions talk about the value of humility − but it can be especially 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 November 7, 2024 by The Conversation US.
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.
Senior Pastor, Full-Time, Baptist: Norfolk, VA
Our Vision: We are a beacon of love serving Christ, by serving people. Our Mission: We are here, to glorify Christ by reaching the World, preaching the Word, and teaching the Way. Mark 16:15
The Pastoral Search Committee of the Shiloh Baptist Church greets you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Believing that God is the One who calls pastors to shepherd his people (Jeremiah 3:15), the Shiloh Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking God’s choice for the position of Senior Pastor. The Pastor must be God fearing, demonstrate an enthusiastic love for Christ, possess and apply a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, utilize the Baptist doctrine, and have a clearly defined vision for the Church. The Shiloh Baptist Church was established over 144 years ago in 1880. We have been proudly situated in the urban community of Norfolk, Virginia since that time.
Accountability: The Senior Pastor is accountable to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Shiloh Baptist Church Diaconate and Congregation in supporting the mission and vision of the church.
Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor include but are not limited to:
♣ Plan and conduct worship services, prepare and deliver sermons, and serve as the lead in the observance of ordinances (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper).
♣ Lead and teach members and visitors in weekly prayer meetings and Bible Study.
♣ Visit the sick and shut-in.
♣ Lead the Church’s evangelical growth and effectiveness beyond the walls of the Church.
♣ Establish relationships and maintain a civic presence with local leaders and the surrounding community.
♣ Develop and support the community with outreach programs and projects.
♣ Inspire and motivate church members to operate in a spirit of excellence while using their gifts and talents for God.
♣ Provide pastoral counseling, perform wedding ceremonies, conduct funerals, and perform dedication services of children.
♣ Lead in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating the Church ministries.
♣ Work with the leadership and members as they perform their assigned responsibilities and facilitate their training.
♣ Preside over all business meetings of the Church.
♣ Work with the Diaconate and church leadership and finance ministry to manage the varied resources of the congregation with effectiveness and efficiency.
♣ Support and participate with national, state and local conventions and religious organizations that Shiloh Baptist is affiliated with such as National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Lott Carey, American Baptist Churches of the South, etc.
Qualifications and giftedness should be pursuant to 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (Holy conduct), Malachi 3:10,(Tithing), and Galatians 5:22-23. (Christian Conduct)
The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications:
♣ Must be a licensed, ordained Baptist Minister in accordance with the Baptist Doctrine and Procedures that has received the Divine calling and has demonstrated the commitment to the call.
♣ Must have a minimum of six (6) years Baptist Church pastoral experience (e.g. Senior Pastor, Assistant Pastor).
♣ Possess a Divinity Degree or Doctorate degree in divinity or religion from an accredited and nationally recognized seminary or divinity school.
♣ Must have church administration and organizational skills.
♣ Must have a clear understanding of the Baptist Doctrine and Articles of Faith.
♣ Must be an effective communicator, demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver biblically sound lessons and messages.
♣ Demonstrate a record of community involvement.
♣ Must be willing to support and participate in Local, State and USA National Baptist Conventions.
♣ Must be committed to church growth and membership retention.
♣ Must be able to articulate a vision for the church that emphasizes spiritual growth and development.
♣ The pastor must serve to provide spiritual leadership that will lead the congregation to live in service for Christ.
All applicants must provide the following information:
1) Letter of intent (Cover Letter)
2) Current Resume
3) Education Transcripts (Unofficial is acceptable for application)
4) Copy of Ministerial License Certificate of Ordination, Verification of Theology training/degree
5) Completed Application
6) Five (5) letters of recommendation (2 clergy, 1 personal and 2 laypeople)
Other information/items may be required throughout the interview process.
Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. Other benefits may be negotiated at a later time.
To apply: Please visit our church website www.welcometoshiloh.com or click on the pastor vacancy announcement link and you will be directed to the application portal. Questions about the position may be directed to email: sbcpastoralsearch24@gmail.com. Opening Date: November 1, 2024, Closing Date: November 30, 2024
Application review will begin on November 30, 2024. Applications received after this date will be reviewed as needed. The Pastoral Search Committee will acknowledge receipt of all completed applications after November 30, 2024. All information presented will be treated as confidential. Final candidates must consent to perform a Criminal History Background Check, Substance Abuse History Check and Credit and Financial History Review (performed through an outside agency for complete confidentiality).
Boston University Receives $1.25 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Launch “Nurturing Immigrant Children’s Faith Experiences En Familia Program” Initiative
Boston University has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the Nurturing Immigrant Children’s Faith Experiences En Familia Program, a new program to foster the spiritual growth of children and teenagers, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. The Program, which will be led by the Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH), is designed to involve and integrate children into worship and prayer services through multiple means of engagement.
There is a great need for children and teenagers to not only participate in the life of the church, but also to sustain and innovate within their worship and prayer contexts. The En Familia Program recognizes that need and the grant from Lilly Endowment makes exploring best practices and methods for doing so possible. During the course of five years, methods and practices will be explored and documented to share as possible ministry for immigrant churches around the country.
The En Familia Program will also work to address the gaps between children and parents that exist generationally in engaging with their new contexts, as well as gaps both immigrant children and parents face linguistically, culturally, technologically, and economically. The Program will do this through a holistic and interdisciplinary lens, engaging multiple modes of formation and engagement. Those include visual and audible art, physical movement, and public speaking opportunities, all designed to draw children and teenagers into participation through intergenerational engagement.
“We are very thankful for the significant financial support Lilly Endowment provided to help us reach out and serve our immigrant communities," says Associate Dean for Students and Community Life Cristian De La Rosa, who will be leading the program at BUSTH. “We look forward to bridge-building between the academy, the churches, and these communities.”
“There is a hunger and pressing need for this program within Greater Boston's Latinx immigrant community,” added Oscar Olmos, student facilitator for the En Familia program. “Latino children represent a precious, growing population essential to the country’s future. At BUSTH, we work passionately as hearts of love and hands of care for these beloved ‘little ones.”
Boston University is one of 91 organizations funded through the latest round of the initiative. They represent and serve congregations in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical, Orthodox, Anabaptist and Pentecostal faith communities. Several organizations are rooted in Black Church and Hispanic and Asian American Christian traditions.
“Congregational worship and prayer play a critical role in the spiritual growth of children and offer settings for children to acquire the language of faith, learn their faith traditions and experience the love of God as part of a supportive community,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These programs will help congregations give greater attention to children and how they can more intentionally nurture the faith of children, as well as adults, through worship and prayer.”
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Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.
Camille Rei Obata (’22) Launches Spiritual Care Practice
Recent MDiv graduate, Camille Rei Obata ('22), is partnering her theological training and gifts in interpersonal care to offer spaces for those in need of spiritual direction and exploration. Her passions and work center women of color and queer folks looking to connect with the divine beyond the scope of traditional religious institutions. The following is a direct expert from their website, which can be accessed here.
"I was raised in an interreligious household, and I feel my spiritual and ethnic/cultural identities are entangled and inseparable.
My spirituality grew out of influences from Christian, Shin Buddhist, and Shinto traditions.
I believe in the universe; I believe in 
SpiritGod and that the divine is Love & Light; I believe in the interdependence of all things, that everything is impermanent, and that life is cyclical.
The practices that keep me grounded and connected to the divine shift and change and right now these include: crafting, painting, reiki, chakra work, breathing meditation, somatic healing, card reading, talking with SpiritGod, prayer, daily exercise/movement, and spending time in flowing water.
I am a certified Spiritual Director and completed my training with Liberated Together. I have a Masters in Divinity with a concentration in Interfaith Leadership.
As a chaplain, I’ve worked at UCSF Medical Center serving a Pediatric, Women's, and Cancer hospital, as well as at UC San Diego Health with the Outpatient Palliative Care team. I currently work in hospice.
I’ve led a workshop on somatic healing & trauma. I co-created a 5-part roundtable series to strengthen relationships between Black and Asian communities in the East Bay (CA).
I’ve been exploring birth charts since 2018 and reading cards since 2019."
Obata offers spiritual care through 1:1 readings, spiritual direction, heart-mind alignment, grief support, and group work. They carry fourth the instilled values of liberation, decolonization, ancestral traditions, embodiment, and trauma informed care into their life and ministry.
Rev. David W. Bell (’57, ’58)
This obituary was originally posted by Portland Press Herald and can be found here.
David W. Bell, 92, of Kennebunk, died Oct. 1, 2024.
David was raised in New London, Conn., the son of Rev. Oliver Bell and his wife, Helen Caulkins. He attended New London Bulkeley High School and the University of Connecticut, where he earned a degree in agricultural economics. He later earned a Masters of Divinity from Boston University and was ordained at the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church in Portland, in May of 1956.
David served Methodist congregations 
in Maine and New Hampshire for 38 years; during retirement, he continued to fill in for ill or vacationing pastors. He was passionate about small community churches and worked hard to bring about ecumenical events where everyone from the community felt welcome.
Throughout his life, David was active with the greater Methodist community of New England, and with the Boy Scouts, having been an Eagle Scout himself, and a waterfront director for many summers. He believed that the independence gained from mastering basic outdoor skills was important for everyone – both boys and girls. He also loved to sail, and served for 10 years as treasurer of the Friendship Sloop Society.
Learning from his own life experiences, David’s ministry took special notice of single adults, whether they had been widowed, divorced, or never married.
David’s first preaching assignment in Maine, in the summer of 1956, was the Waldoboro Circuit, which then included congregations in Winslow’s Mills, Waldoboro Village, West Waldoboro, and Dutch Neck. Each Sunday he preached a service in each church. David was promoted to the Friendship church in September of 1956; he married Elizabeth Terp the following spring. Their son, Andrew, was born in nearby Rockland.
David later served churches in Winthrop and Brewer, and while there, the couple welcomed daughter, Deborah and son, Peter. Meanwhile, David’s parents retired to Bath, and then Round Pond, where Oliver preached at both the Brown Church and the White Church.
Despite his love for the Maine coast, David next served Methodist congregations in Rochester and Laconia/Gilford, in New Hampshire. He and Elizabeth divorced, and David married Nancy Jane Bell. Together they served the Methodist congregation in Contoocook, N.H., and David served as Chaplain of the New Hampshire House of Representatives for four years.
Meanwhile, David and Nancy Jane began building their retirement home on Pemaquid Point. They assisted the builders by painting siding and cleaning the work space, chipping away at the project over many years. His bumper sticker during those years read: “Live Simply, So That Others May Simply Live.” Eventually, they were assigned to the Waldoboro church, and then retired to Pemaquid, where they both continued to be very active in the local community.
Planning for their final years, Nancy Jane and David moved to the Taylor Community in Laconia, N.H., to be an active part of a continuing care community, and to be closer to some of their children. When Nancy Jane died, in 2011, David returned to the Maine coast. There he partnered with Nancy Ellen Treadwell, sharing with her the final 10 years of his life.
David is survived by Nancy Treadwell; his children Andi (Debby) Bell of Thornton, N.H., Deborah (Peter) Fauver of North Conway, N.H., Peter (Melina) Bell of Lexington, Va.; his grandchildren Sarah Fauver of Charlotte, Vt., and Alex Fauver of Los Angeles, Calif.; and his nephew, Richard (Lisa) Anderson of East Walpole Mass.
He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Bell Anderson.
Services will be held at the Church on the Cape, Cape Porpoise, on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s name to the Preachers’ Aid Society of New England: http://www.preachersaid.org or to the Church on the Cape: http://www.churchonthecape.org
Both organizations work hard for people in need, and no donation is too small.
Rev. Galen E. Peckham (’62)
This obituary was originally posted by Locke Funeral Services and can be found here.
Rev. Galen E. Peckham, 90, of Cedar Falls, formerly of La Porte City, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson's on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 28, 1934, in Cresco, the son of Adele Mae Peckham. He was a 1952 graduate of Cresco High School, a 1956 graduate of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, and a 1962 graduate of the Boston University School of Theology.
He married Patricia Joan Eckerman on August 12, 1956, in Cresco. They have been united in marriage for 68 years and together for 74 years.
Galen's dedication to his work was unwavering. 
He served as the Director of Physical Education at Elgin, IL YMCA and as a United Methodist pastor from 1962-1998, in West Bend-Cylinder-Bradgate, Sibley, Charles City, Bloomfield, La Porte City, and Ames. He also served as Superintendent for the United Methodist Church for 7 years in Spencer and Des Moines. He and Pat retired to La Porte City in 1998 and attended both St. Paul UMC and Geneseo UMC. They moved to Western Home's Windridge community in 2020. Galen remained an active member of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church, which was a testament to his faith and service.
Galen found his life's passions in his Cresco beginnings. He was raised by his grandparents at home, and nurtured by Cresco teachers, coaches and employers. They built a sense of connectedness and self-worth in Galen. This was reflected in the relationship building and connectional manner he exhibited in all spheres of his life, including his ministry, community and interdenominational activities, and music and athletics.
Galen was taken to church several times per week as a child. It was during an altar call at a Methodist youth conference at Grace Methodist Episcopal in Waterloo that he received his calling to become a minister. This would have a profound effect on the direction of his life.
Galen loved athletics. He was an All-State football player and wrestler at Cresco, which would lead to his recruitment to Cornell College. Cornell also became a necessary building block to entering the ministry. Wrestling also enabled many sustained friendships with competitors, teammates, and family. The personal stories of Northeast Iowa and Iowa collegiate wrestling continue to resonate with his family and friends. Many trips to NCAA wrestling tournaments with family and friends, and chance encounters with old cronies from the past were some of his best memories. Post-college, Galen also relished the opportunities to take a genuine interest in the athletes and coaches and support teams in whatever community he lived.
Galen was a great lover of music. He was an All-State saxophonist in high school and considered being a band instructor. He played piano and sang in church choirs. He enjoyed classical, jazz, and sacred music, and KUNI-FM. He enjoyed meeting and supporting student performers in the many communities in which he served.
Galen was a great lover of nature. He led his family on cross-country camping trips across the US and Canada, to ocean, mountains, lakes, and the Minnesota Boundary Waters. He took great pride in his yard, and along with Pat built beautiful landscapes in which to relax from season to season. In retirement he enjoyed taking daily bike rides on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.
Galen and Pat enjoyed international travel, in addition to camping in the US. They were gifted an enriching trip to the Holy Land by St. Paul UMC. In retirement, they visited the British Isles, Italy, and Central Europe.
Galen was a long-time member and five-time president of Lions Clubs across the state and an active volunteer for Crosslines in Blackhawk County. In retirement, he enjoyed many fishing trips with his long-standing friends from La Porte City. He also enjoyed going to the bakery for many cups of coffee with his crew, and the opportunity to attend any sporting event. One of his greatest loves was spending time with his grandchildren and supporting their love of music, sports, and academics. He will be remembered by many smoking his pipe in the church office, while working in the yard, or while practicing the Sunday sermon on a long walk.
He is survived by his wife, Pat of Cedar Falls; two sons, Dean Peckham of Sacramento, CA, David (Diana) Peckham of Seattle, WA; one daughter, Mary (Brian) Jaquith of Cedar Falls; four grandchildren, Bradley (Abbey) Jaquith of Dunkerton, Rebecca (Blake Harms) Jaquith of Cedar Falls, Angela (Lucas Hoffmann) Peckham of Berlin, Germany and Evan Peckham of Seattle, WA; two great-grandchildren, Aubrielle and Brecklyn Jaquith; a brother in law, Lindsay (Deb) Eckerman of Waverly and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Adele; a grandmother who raised him, Jennie Peckham; and a daughter in infancy.
Memorial Service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday at St. Paul United Methodist Church and also the hour before the service.
The Peckham family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, where a memorial fund will be established.
Locke in La Porte City is in charge of arrangements (319-342-3131). Online condolences may be left at www.lockefuneralservices.com.
Minister of Music, Part-Time, MCC: Saint Louis, MO
Job Title: Minister of Music of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis
Hours: Part Time (approx. 15-20 hours per week)
Supervisor: Lead Pastor, Lauren Bennett
Location: Saint Louis, MO (On-site)
Description: The Minister of Music is responsible to oversee all music ministries of MCC of Greater Saint Louis.
Job Summary: MCCGSL is seeking a part-time Minister of Music to be a key member of our team! This person will help us to live more fully into our vision of being a spiritual hub for the entire LGBTQIA+ community, creating a liberating movement within and beyond our church walls by focusing on drawing us closer to each other through music. Below are more details on what being the Minister of Music at MCCGSL will be like:
Responsibilities:
- Planning, directing, and participating in the music ministries of the church, including leading the teams or sub-teams relating to music ministries, including the MCCGSL choir(s), ensemble groups, and accompanists.
- Planning, directing, and participating in the worship ministries and services of the church related to music, including weekly worship services, special worship services, retreats, musical concerts, and rites such as memorial service or funeral service as needed and requested.
- Specific tasks include selecting music for worship, scheduling accompanists, scheduling special music, scheduling song leaders, and rehearsal as needed.
- Development and oversight of Budget/Funding Plan for music and choir related team ministries.
- Development of programs and ministries related to music, including music in worship.
- Development and leadership of training for music ministries and worship ministries related to music.
- All other such duties as may be required by the Lead Pastor or designed collaboratively
- Attendance at Annual or Semi-Annual Staff Retreats
- No office hours are required
Expectations:
- Interpersonal skills
- Treatment of all individuals with respect and dignity
- Leadership by example
- Redemptive conflict resolution skills
- Comfort in a church setting and ability to express faith openly
- Adherence to Leadership Expectations as listed in MCCGSL Standard Operating Policies & Procedures (SOPPs)
- Desire to build friendly, honest professional relationships with staff and congregation
- Ability to clearly communicate ideas and instructions verbally and in written form
- Openness to grow
Professional skills:
- Ability to train, mentor, and delegate tasks to volunteers
- Openness to communicating and embodying mission, values, and vision of MCCGSL
- Has a background that lends itself to radically inclusive, blended worship styles
- Musical Training and experience in music direction
- Organize music, worship documents, and long term planning in a collaborative system (i.e. Google, Planning Center Online, CCB etc.)
More about MCCGSL’s Music Program:
At MCCGSL, our motto is “Come as you are, believing as you do.” Music is an essential part of this and, for the whole of our church’s history, music has been a core of our identity. Recently, our Minister of Music retired and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, supporting his partner in a work promotion. He leaves behind 25 years of loving service in the community where MCCGSL is known for our choir and music program. In 2007, at our choir’s height, MCCGSL won a national Gospel Competition, How Sweet the Sound. For years, our choir has been selected to sing the National Anthem at Cardinals Baseball Games for Pride Night and has done the same for the St. Louis Blues as recent as this season. Often, we send an ensemble to support other local churches for Pride celebrations or moments when a local congregation is making a step toward inclusive ministry. Our choir has led the music for our Pride in the Park service since we can remember. Right now, we have an interim music team composed of three accomplished musicians in the congregation and a rotation of accompanists. They are in place to run our Annual Christmas Concert and service music through the end of January though a new settled music director would be welcome to start anytime and without the stress of running the Christmas Concert. You can find our services and past Christmas Concerts online.
How to Apply:
Interested in being on our team? Send a resume or short introductory video and cover letter to pastor@mccgsl.org
Website: https://www.mccgsl.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCCGreaterSaintLouis
Rev. Derrill Antonio Blue (’24) appointed new pastor of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church
The following is an excerpt from the Q City Metro article, "Faith notes: Little Rock A.M.E. Zion church welcomes new pastor," by Glenn H. Burkins, published on October 15, 2024. Click here to read the full article.
Blue holds an undergraduate degree 
in business management from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul School of Theology in Oklahoma City, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Boston University ...
In a statement, Little Rock noted the couple’s “wealth of spiritual wisdom, compassion, and leadership.”
“With deep roots in ministry and a shared dedication to uplifting others, their vision and guidance will play a pivotal role in our church’s future,” the statement read. “We are confident that under their leadership, our congregation will continue to grow, thrive, and serve the community.”