Alumni News
An Easter Message from Dean Pak: 2026
The Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35)
Imagine that the world as you have known it has ceased to be. Imagine that the logic with which you have approached your life no longer seems to hold. Imagine that the hope of a bright future is called acutely into question. Oh. We don’t really have to imagine.
Frequently over the past year, we find ourselves in the devastating world of the disciples hiding in the Upper Room, in the crushing reality of the former followers of Jesus fleeing Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. Years of faithfully following a divine call had ended with the death of their Lord on the cross. They had come to the end of the road. All they could do was pick up the pieces and take a different road, the road to Emmaus, leaving behind their broken dreams.
A stranger joins them on their mournful journey, and they recount to him the shocking events of the past three days. The stranger listens with compassion. And then the stranger recounts a larger story; the stranger speaks into existence a renewed reality.
This Stranger reminds them of the many times when those who have gone before thought they had reached the end of the road. They thought they would live their whole existence enslaved to the Egyptians, and Moses came with the booming words of God, “Let my people go.” They thought the Egyptians would overtake them as they fled, and then the seas were parted. They ran out of food in the wilderness, and manna and quail fell from the heavens. There were many Goliaths to be faced, but one small stone of David could change the course of history. When the people were taken into captivity and exile, the God of the oppressed, the God of the widow and the orphan, the God who is no stranger to sorrow, that God restored their fortunes and secured their well-being.
On this Road to Emmaus, eyes are opened with sudden recognition of the ways the Divine has been present all along.
Oh, yes, and when they ran out of food by the Sea of Galilee, five loaves and two fish fed a multitude. When a storm rose up suddenly on the sea, and fear of perishing overwhelmed them, the storms in their hearts and sea were stilled with unfathomable peace. When the story had seemingly ended in a criminal’s death on the cross, this loving Stranger—this Stranger who has become a companion not only in sorrow but in renewed hope reorients a seeming ending toward renewed vocation.
On this Road to Emmaus, eyes are opened with sudden recognition of the ways the Divine has been present all along—mourning, sustaining, comforting, healing, restoring. When all seemed lost, our hearts burn within us, discovering a renewed vision of God’s sustaining grace. The Road to Emmaus led a people transformed in faith and fragility back to Jerusalem, to be and to become a people of rekindled life in the face of death, deepened vocation, and reclaimed community.
– G. Sujin Pak, dean
PhD student Laura Stein (’27) published opinion article in Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The following is an excerpt from the opinion article “We know how to prevent Jewish clergy from burning out. Why aren't we doing it?” by PhD student Laura Stein, published on March 6, 2026. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Boston University School of Theology, its employees, faculty, or students.
During my early years of cantorial school, I noticed a significant gap in my studies. While the coursework included extensive classes on biblical grammar, liturgy and text study, I received only surface-level training in providing pastoral care, and little attention was given to my character development, spiritual formation, or to learning to tend to my own well-being as I prepared for a career in religious leadership.
I was being taught, sure. But was I being formed? That question would later inform my understanding of clergy burnout as structural — rooted not in individual weakness, but in how seminaries are training clergy long before they enter the field.
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Music Director, Part Time, First Parish Church of Kingston: Kingston, MA
First Parish Church of Kingston, Massachusetts, seeks a Music Director. The position is part-time and requires a commitment of an average of 10 hours a week from mid-August through mid-June. The salary range is $13,000 to $15,000, commensurate with experience and proficiency. Candidates are invited to learn more about the Congregation and Unitarian Universalist theology at our website at http://kingstonuu.org
Additional Information
Apply on Indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=417bcf4111b1a139&from=shareddesktop_copy
Rev. Dr. Gordon Postill (’92) is offering a safe-space for Scriptural Recital
Embraced by the Story of Jesus!
The Rev. dr. Gordon Douglas Postill, is offering a safe-space for reciting the Gospel dubed "Embracing by the Story of Jesus!" Reciting the gospels from memory is an age-old practice that has been essentially lost in modern times. But not completely. Gospel Troubadour, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Postill, revives the practice as he invokes the engaging and compelling storytelling tradition by reciting from memory the Gospel of Mark.
Since October 2024 Gordon has been offering “Embraced by the Story of Jesus!” at no cost to churches and seminaries. Depending on the venue, the event has served well as a fundraiser for local charities.
Be embraced like those first listeners by the Story of Jesus as told from beginning to end by the earliest of the four gospel writers. The event itself, including a brief introduction, a 20-minute intermission, and a concluding Q&A, will take less than 2½ hours.
Gordon is a retired United Church of Canada minister and lives in Toronto. Ordained in 1980, he served congregations in Nova Scotia and Ontario before providing spiritual care as a hospice chaplain to patients and families in Florida and Massachusetts during 35 years of ministry. His memoir “Called! A Longshot’s Story” was published in 2021.
For further information please email Gordon at evansbeach2@verizon.net or call/text him at 438-453-8414. References from previous renditions in churches and at Emmanuel College are available upon request.
Website: www.gordonpostill.com
Associate Pastor, Part Time / Full Time FT, First Church in Wenham: Wenham, MA
Ministry Description
You belong here at First Church in Wenham! In our wide-open welcome that starts every worship service, we affirm that we belong to God, to each other, and to our community. Belonging and connection are essential to our ministry and mission.
As our Associate Pastor, you will be part of a vibrant, creative, collaborative, intergenerational, community-centered congregation that seeks to deepen our faith by connecting with God, one another, and our wider world. You will find your calling among a faith community that cherishes where people are on their spiritual journey and celebrates their beautiful diversity. You will have the opportunity to nurture the congregation's faith formation by providing educational and experiential opportunities for children, teens, and adults to develop and deepen their relationship with God and the church.
Your leadership will guide our healthy Sunday-morning faith formation for children and middle school youth and create a high school youth program. This is a perfect calling for you if you enjoy building authentic relationships with youth, children, parents, and volunteers; love the synergy of co-creation with other talented people; like to communicate clearly; lead with grace; and can organize with purpose. While about 60 percent of your time will be devoted to building our faith formation program, you will be able to bring your full pastoral skills to complement and round out our pastoral staff.
Once a month, we look forward to hearing inspiring, dynamic sermons from you and to opportunities to assist with worship, pastoral care, baptisms, weddings, and funerals, in collaboration with the senior pastor. We look forward to your leadership, enthusiasm, spiritual depth, and joy in our community.
Fine more Details on the Links below
Link to UCC job posting: https://oppsearch.ucc.org/web/fastdetails.aspx?id=7002&KeepThis=false&TB_iframe=true&height=&width=
Note: Please reach out to our search and call associate, Lynn Varney at searchcall@sneucc.org to apply or, if you are already registered on the UCC site please feel free to apply there!
Choir & Handbell Director, Part-Time, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church: Westborough, MA
Job Posting for Choir & Handbell Director – 12.5 hours/week
Good Shepherd is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is an active 350-member congregation in Westborough, Massachusetts. Our Choir & Handbell Director must have a passion for proclaiming the gospel through music and an appreciation of the importance of music in the ministry of a diverse and vibrant congregation.
Good Shepherd is seeking a musician with a focus on Lutheran ministry for a 12.5 hour per week position. We are seeking a leader to plan and direct music for our Hymn-based 9 am service, special programs and community events. The Choir & Handbell Director is a member of the staff team for ministry. This team works joyfully together, supports one another and prays with and for each other.
Our other paid church music staff include a Praise Band director for our Contemporary Service, and an Organist for the hymn-based service who also accompanies the choir. The staff is bolstered by several lay leaders and musicians.
Main Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills in addition to demonstrated strong musical skills. Applicants should have a firm grasp of liturgical tradition.
Keyboard proficiency strongly preferred.
A Bachelor’s degree or greater in music and five years of relevant experience desired for this part-time position.
Additional Qualifications include:
• Patience and enthusiasm for teaching, to foster an atmosphere in which all our volunteer musicians, young children to adults, vocal and instrumental, can present their offerings to God in worship.
• Leadership to direct and nourish our Chancel Choir (adult) & Gospel Ringers (handbell) ensemble, as well as equipping and facilitating our children’s choir and instrumental programs.
• Ability to work well with other musicians, encourage their participation in worship, recruit and support leaders for several ensembles, and schedule their music offerings in worship.
• Organization and teamwork with our pastors and lay leaders in a collegial and supportive atmosphere in planning worship and other special programs.
• Creativity and enthusiasm to strengthen and grow each of the existing programs and develop new ones.
Core Responsibilities Include:
• Participate fully in the life and ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
• Direct and support special music for the Hymn-Based worship service on Sunday mornings.
• Direct and support special music for Christmas Eve services and Holy Week.
• Provide instrumental accompaniment for singing during Wednesday services during Advent and Lent.
• Direct the Chancel Choir (adult choir).
• Direct the Gospel Ringers Hand Bell Choir.
• Lead and coordinate the Children’s Music program.
• Provide opportunities for children and adults with musical gifts to share in our worship services.
Expected Schedule - September to mid-June
• Sunday 9 am Hymn-based service (generally 8:15 am - 11:15 am)
• Wednesday evenings 6 pm to ~8 pm during Advent and Lent
• Thursday evenings 6 pm to 8 pm Chancel Choir and Gospel Ringers (handbell) rehearsals
• Worship & Music committee meetings (2 hours/month or every other month)
• Planning and communication as needed
Mid-June to August
• Sunday 8:30 am Hymn-based service
• (Choir optional - organize special music contributions from congregation)
• No Thursday rehearsals
• Plan for upcoming program year in August
• Planning and communication as needed
Interested individuals may apply or obtain additional information, such as a detailed job description, by email at music@goodshepherdcares.org
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church / 183 W Main St / Westborough, MA 01581
Rev. Jessica Goodrich, Pastor / Rev. Cassandra Hartnett, Pastor
BUSTH announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for March 2026
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications and scholarly presentations for March 2026:
- Choi Hee An
- Presentation: “Can We Rise Again and Be Confident?,” at Women in Leadership (WIL) Program, The Association of Theological Schools, Toronto, Canada, March 9, 2026.
- Rebecca Copeland
- Presentation: “Rewilding the Parables: Recovering Social Holiness in the Teachings of Jesus,” Wesleyan Theological Society Annual Conference (Seattle, Washington), March 21, 2026.
- Presentation: "The Parable and the Mística: Scriptural Resources for Land Reform,” Fr. Vincent Machozi Colloquium: “Ecologies of Peacemaking,” Boston University School of Theology (Boston, Massachusetts) February 27, 2026.
- Presentation: “‘Making Over Their Inheritances…While Still Alive’: Greco-Roman Philosophies of Land Management and the Parable of the Absentee Landowner,” Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting (Boston, Massachusetts), November 22, 2025.
- Nicolette Manglos-Weber, et al
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Nicolette D. Manglos-Weber with Josephine Nabakooza, Sacred Economies: Christianity, Islam, and Community Care in Uganda, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2026.
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- G. Sujin Pak
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“The Next Future of Theological Education? A Call to Formation, Relational Integrity, and Radical Community: Reflections on Aleshire’s Beyond Profession: The Next Future of Theological Education” in Political Theology 26.7 (2025): 855-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/1462317X.2025.2463788
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“Knowing and Speaking of God with Hadewijch with Echoes from Julian of Norwich and Elizabeth Barrett Browning,” in The Women's Christian Theology Reader. Edited by Beth Ritter-Conn and Steven R. Guthrie. John Wiley & Sons, 2026. Pp. 57-58.
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- Rady Roldán-Figueroa
- Presentation: with David Orique, O.P., “Historia de la Teología en América Latina: Periodo Colonial, Siglo XVI,” Universidad de Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia. March 10, 2026.
- Presentation: “Las Casas y la guerra,” Universidad de Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia. March 11, 2026.
- Presentation: with David Orique, O.P., “Historia de la Teología en América Latina: Periodo Colonial, Siglo XVI,” Universidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia. March 12, 2026.
- Steven Sandage, et al
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Sandage, S.J., & Jankowski, P.J. (2026, March). Assessing student formation: A new set of core assessment tools. Association of Theological Schools Colloquy Online. https://www.ats.edu/files/galleries/assessing-studentformation-core-tools.pdf
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Ammerman, N. T., & Sandage, S. J. (2026). Practicing interdisciplinary supervision: Views from the United States. In F. Saxegaard, M. Lövheim & G. Afdal (Eds.), Doctoral supervision across boundaries. Interdisciplinarity as process and practice (pp. 197–215). Scandinavian University Press. https://doi.org/10.18261/9788215074818-26-09
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Oh, S., Bugatti, M., Hines, M., Sandage, S.J., & Owen, J. (2026). Clinician burnout and flourishing: Predicting client dropout in a practice-research network. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy,
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- Shively T. J. Smith
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“Howard Thurman & ‘Saddle Your Dreams.’” The Carrier Pigeon Post: A Periodical of Hope 18 (February 2026): 4.carrierpigeonpost.org.
- Presentation: “Reading Revelation with Unsung African American Interpreters.” Presentation at Alfred Street Baptist Church Seminary Saturdays, January 17, 2026, Alexandria, VA.
- Presentation: “The Sounds of Our Leadership.” Presentation at the Association of Theological Schools Women in Leadership Conference, March 11, 2026, Toronto, Canada.
- Presentation: “Teaching Howard Thurman through The HistoryMakers Digital Archives.” Presentation at The HistoryMakers Digital Archive Innovation and Pedagogy Conference, February 20–23, 2026, Gallaudet University.
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- emilie townes
- Lecture: “Facing (In)Justice with the Power of Hope,” Candlemas Lecture, Lowell Humanities Series, Boston College, Newton, MA, February 4, 2026.
Confirmation Coordinator, Full Time, Myers Park United Methodist Church: Charlotte, NC
Job Description
The Confirmation Coordinator supports the spiritual growth and faith formation of youth through the Confirmation process and related ministries. This role fosters connection between students, families, mentors, and the larger church community by developing engaging programming, guiding discipleship experiences, and ensuring smooth coordination across worship, mission, and educational activities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong relational, organizational, and communication skills, grounded in a passion for helping young people grow in their relationship with Christ.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Collaborate with the Worship Coordinator and Mission Department to integrate Confirmands into worship services and mission opportunities.
• Maintain consistent communication with Confirmands, their families, and the wider church community through social media, email, and mailings, ensuring clarity about ministry activities and opportunities.
• Recruit, train, support, and retain Confirmation mentors and other key ministry partners, fostering a culture of appreciation and engagement.
• Build meaningful relationships with youth and their families, providing pastoral care and spiritual guidance.
• Develop, adapt, and write engaging, theologically grounded curriculum designed to lead youth and families toward deeper faith in Christ.
• Manage budgets for trips, retreats, and Confirmation programming, including reconciliation of credit card statements and accurate expense tracking.
• Support and help lead the Student Leadership Team, encouraging youth leadership and discipleship.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute special and seasonal programs, such as parent workshops, back-to-school events, youth league basketball gatherings, and other community activities.
• Assist with additional middle and high school programming as needed, contributing to the overall youth ministry.
• Engage in conference and denominational activities, representing the church in broader ministry efforts and collaborative youth initiatives.
• Collaborate with all church staff to support and uphold the vision, mission, and core values of the church.
• Participate in staff and Faith Formation team meetings to contribute to church wide programming, planning, and educational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Youth Ministries, Pastor of Discipleship, and/or Senior Pastor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Religion, Christian Education, Youth Ministry, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Minimum of three years of experience working with youth in a church or faith-based setting; experience leading Confirmation or discipleship programs strongly preferred.
Specific Skills: Demonstrated ability to plan and lead youth programs, write or adapt curriculum, and communicate effectively with students, parents, and volunteers.
Personal Characteristics: Deep and growing Christian faith, strong interpersonal and organizational skills, creativity, flexibility, sense of humor, and a genuine passion for working with young people.
Certifications: Safe Sanctuaries or equivalent child/youth protection training (or ability to obtain upon hire).
Licenses: Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to drive church vehicles is required.
Physical Abilities: Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, participate in physical youth activities, and attend overnight retreats, mission trips, and offsite events as required.
To apply for this job, please apply at https://justchurchjobs.com/apply/1196/assistant-director-of-youth-ministries
Dr. Edgar F. File, (’61)
The following obituary was originally published by Legacy Obituaries and can be found here.
Rev. Dr. Edgar (“Ed”) File passed peacefully on February 13, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by cherished family. Ed lived a long and active life, filled with family, friends, adventure, purpose. Born in Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay), Ed grew up in Toronto in a loving home with parents, Mabel and Ronald, and three siblings, Walter, Doris, and Alicia, all of whom predeceased him. Ed’s life was grounded in academia. He earned a BA and MDiv through studies at the Universities of Toronto (Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges) and St Andrews (Scotland) and a PhD at Boston University.
He went 
on to work as a professor at York University, Atkinson College for over 25 years. Ed’s real passion and impact was in social justice and activism. He joined the 1965 Selma-Montgomery march as a young united church minister, was Minister of James Robertson United Church where he co-founded Winnipeg’s first halfway house for ex-prisoners, worked in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, traveled the world with the World Council of Churches – Urban Rural Mission, and worked to initiate the Canadian Urban Training (CUT) program in Toronto to address urban poverty and social justice issues.
In 1982, Ed met and joined forces with his great friend Albert Lin and spent over 30 years actively working with the Taiwanese community through Taiwan Urban Rural Mission, advancing principles of democracy and human rights, including leading numerous programs in Canada and Taiwan with his life partner Donna Loft. One of Ed’s proudest honours was being the 2014 recipient of the Albert J.F. Lin Human Rights award, from the Taiwanese Human Rights Association of Canada. Ed was a sailor, athlete, and enthusiast of life.
From his younger days with Cadets and the University Naval Training Division to later being Captain of his beloved schooner Valhalla, he shared his love of sailing with many on lazy summer days sailing around Toronto Islands and the annual schooner race. A varsity football player, avid Napanee curler, vocal fan at family hockey games and long-suffering Leafs fan. Many happy memories were made playing cards, doing puzzles, sitting around campfires, and enjoying happy hour on the deck overlooking his beloved Salmon River in Lonsdale.
Ed is survived by his loving life partner of 45 years, Donna Loft; his five children Patricia (Bruce), Andrew (Mary-Lou), Mora (Michael), Jim (Janet), and John Paul; two stepdaughters Melanie (Kent) and Marisa (Michael); fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. We are grateful to the John M. Parrott Centre for their gentle care of Ed in his final months. In remembrance of Ed, please consider donating your time or funds to a social justice or environmental cause that brings hope for our world.
Children’s Ministry Director, Part Time, West Concord Union Church: Concord, MA
Children’s Ministry Director: We seek a leader to engage kids’ hearts and minds with stories, questions, arts, and games in collaboration with dynamic staff and committed volunteers. West Concord Union Church is an inclusive, creative Christian community that empowers spiritual renewal and community engagement. We offer a warm welcome to folks of many identities, expressions, and abilities. We currently have 23 children sixth grade and younger. The position is 12 hours/week from September until mid-June, with Sunday mornings required. Starting salary $30/hour depending on experience. Please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for two references to wcuc.office@gmail.com by April 6th.
Additional Information
We are located in short walking distance of the commuter rail and just off Route 2 for easy access by car. Learn more about our community at: WestConcordUnionChurch.org.