Alumni News

Rev. Dr. Cristian De La Rosa Awarded Grant from GBHEM to Facilitate Opportunities for Latinx Students

By Kimberly Macdonald July 10th, 2017 in Archive

School of Theology Director of Contextual Education and Community Partnerships, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology and Practice, Rev. Dr. Cristian De La Rosa, has been awarded a grant from the United Methodist Church Greater Board of Higher Education and Ministry Young Clergy Initiative. Her application project, titled "Proyecto Futuro: Cultivating New Latinx Generations", is an initiative that complements and expands theological education and creates intentional spaces where "Latinx youth and young adults engage in theological conversations about pressing issues, serve as interns and volunteers with local congregations, learn from and consult with mature church leadership, establish their own networks with community and church organization, and facilitate the strengthening of a United Methodist Latinx church leadership pipeline from high school to seminary." This project is in partnership with the New England Conference, and applications were received from every United Methodist jurisdictional conference this year.
This four-year project plans to expand on the experience of Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy and Raíces Latinas Leadership Institute at Boston University. De La Rosa explains that "seminarians will facilitate the creation of spaces where they can integrate theory and practice through their own cultural perspectives and resources so they do more than survive. They will identify meaningful and relevant ways to thrive and accompany future Latinx generations."
De La Rosa outlines a few short-term goals for this project:

  1. Participation of 20 seminary students in the Summer Church leadership convocations every year,

  2. Participation of 60 Latinx high school and college students in the Latinx youth ministry consultations every summer, and

  3. Coordination with New England Annual Conference leadership for the identification of church internships and possible establishment of an urban ministry parish in consultation with United Methodist churches in Jamaica Plains, Chelsea, Everett and Saugus where most Spanish and Portuguese speaking ministries and communities are located.

Congratulations, Cristian, on the acceptance of this outstanding project!

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Kristin Swenson (STH'93, GRS'01), new publication, God of Earth: Discovering a Radically Ecological Christianity

By yaragj July 6th, 2017 in Archive

"Kristin Swenson (STH'93, GRS'01), of Charlottesville, Va., published God of Earth: Discovering a Radically Ecological Christianity (Westminster John Knox Press, 2016). She writes that it "is a work of creative nonfiction in which I track, through the church year, the question of what happens if we imagine the Jesus of Christian theology to be realized in the nonhuman natural world." Kristin is a visiting associate professor at the University of Virginia."
*This class note first appeared in Bostonia Summer 2017.

Youth Director, Cupertino, CA

By yaragj July 6th, 2017 in Archive

Good Samaritan United Methodist Church is looking for a part-time youth director for the "Illuminate" Youth Ministry. This is an exciting chance to lead an energized youth program with active support from counselors and parents.
The Good Sam Youth Program enjoys high visibility in and enthusiastic support from the church. The Youth Director plays a key leadership role in forming relationships, promoting spiritual growth and planning activities for the youth. He/she works with counselors to plan and lead energetic activities on Sunday evening and is responsible for overall program planning and communication.
The Youth Director will lead and expand a dynamic youth program focused on middle and high school youth, inspiring them to grow in Christian faith through fellowship, discussion, celebration, and service. This program is succeeding if it gains visibility in our community, the youth are engaged spiritually and socially, they are excited about asking friends to join the weekly activities and special events, and these visitors feel welcomed and attendance grows over time.
This is a half-time (20 hrs) position, with the potential for additional hours as the youth group grows. It requires non-standard work hours, and weekend commitments. At the corner of Homestead and Wolf Roads in Cupertino, Good Samaritan is adjacent to Apple's new Infinite Loop campus, literally in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Please see http://goodsam.info/youth-director/youth-director-page.html for complete details.

STH to Offer New Concentrations with Master of Sacred Theology Degree

By Kimberly Macdonald July 5th, 2017 in Archive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kimberly Macdonald
Marketing & Communications Manager
617-358-1858
kmacd@bu.edu
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TO OFFER NEW CONCENTRATIONS WITH MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY DEGREE
Boston, MA – July 5, 2017 – Boston University School of Theology (STH) is pleased to announce the proposed changes to the Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree, effective this fall semester 2017. Students will now be offered two concentrations: the customary disciplinary concentration that centers on gaining depth and focus in a particular academic discipline of study, and a new “religious leadership” concentration that provides for more practice-based, contextual engagement focusing on ministerial and other forms of religious leadership.
The Master of Sacred Theology Handbook and School of Theology Bulletin on the school’s website reflect these new concentrations. The STH administration is optimistic that these changes will tap into the needs of a student population who already have a first-level theology master’s degree, but would like to expand their capacities and knowledge with an additional advanced year of study.
For more information on the new concentrations offered with the STM degree, please contact the STH Admissions office at sthadmis@bu.edu. 
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Since 1839, Boston University School of Theology has been preparing leaders to do good. A seminary of the United Methodist Church, Boston University School of Theology is a robustly ecumenical institution that welcomes students from diverse faith traditions who are pursuing a wide range of vocations – parish ministry, conflict transformation, chaplaincy, campus ministry, administration, non-profit management, social work, teaching, justice advocacy, peacemaking, interfaith dialogue, and more. Our world-renowned faculty and strong heritage help students nurture their academic goals and realize any ministry imaginable. For more information, please visit bu.edu/sth.
STM Update FINAL 7-5-17

Full-time Minister of Music and Liturgy, Raleigh, NC

By yaragj June 30th, 2017 in Archive

Job Title: Minister of Music and Liturgy
All Saints’ United Methodist Church (ASUMC) is a growing, dynamic, multi-generational congregation of 250+ people, planted ten years ago in the Brier Creek area of Raleigh, North Carolina.
In order to be most effective in fulfilling our calling of “gathering people into communion with Jesus Christ,” ASUMC is seeking a faith-filled, creative, adaptable, and energetic Minister of Music and Liturgy to oversee and nurture the worshiping life of the congregation and the discipleship that grows from this worshiping life.
Musical Worship at All Saints’
A foundational belief at All Saints’ is that liturgy is the work of the people. Each week we are offered the opportunity to participate in the liturgy and respond as a congregation to God’s work in and through Jesus Christ with a diversity of musical expressions.
All Saints’ seeks to further cultivate a musical worship that is intentional, cohesive and vibrant, drawing on music that offers theological richness, deep and diverse spirituality, and singable tunes. The community of All Saints’ has many gifted musicians, including the members of our Music Team. This position will further cultivate their gifts as well as draw out the broader participation of our congregation.
Job Description
This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading musical worship on Sunday and within other worship gatherings. This person is also responsible for recruiting, training, and leading the many musicians and worship leaders in our congregation.
The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, teaching and team building skills, with a proven track record of creating passion and building momentum within an organization.
This person should embody an innovative spirit and be someone who enjoys shaping culture, creating beauty, capturing imaginations, and deepening discipleship through worship and music.
Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent with advanced theological degree preferred
  • At least 1 year experience of leading music in a worship setting
  • Proficiency in directing the Music Team, basic keyboard skills (accomplishedpianist preferred), and a broad knowledge of a wide range of liturgical musicalstyles from ancient to contemporary

Qualifications:

  • A vibrant and growing faith in Jesus Christ with a desire to model this life of faithand learn from others.
  • Positive attitude and excellent socialization skills
  • Strong desire to develop and work with teams
  • Passion for facilitating the growth of music ministry at All Saints’ both broadly anddeeply into the life of the congregation and beyond
  • Desire to become an active participant in the daily life of All Saints’ UMC
  • Ability to orchestrate and arrange music for use during worship
  • Organized with ability to prioritize time and attention
  • Experience with social media as a tool for communication, worship arts softwareand platforms, and some additional graphic design

Responsibilities:
Worship Planning & Creative Visioning (25%)

  • Collaborating with pastors, staff and lay people to envision, plan, and evaluate worship services appropriate to the liturgical season
  • Selecting music appropriate for the liturgy and church season
  • Developing full and active liturgical participation of the congregation througheducation and formation
  • Ability to work out of the United Methodist Hymnal and the Upper RoomWorshipbook, incorporating traditional, contemporary, ancient and global music.
  • Arranging for the hiring of instrumentalists for special services or offerings

Leading and Teaching Music (50%)

  • Seeking creative ways to establish, nurture and share music as an act ofdiscipleship, including for example, through social media.
  • Directing and/or accompanying weekly worship and special services (includingmultiple services on Sunday)
  • Leading the Music Team, including leading weekly rehearsal and fostering a community of love, support, discipleship, and joy. Within rehearsal and beyond,communicating how the music is connected to the particular worship service,liturgical season, etc.
  • Working with children and youth, seeking ways to nurture their musical gifts and incorporating them into worshiping life of the church
  • Leading the Music Team and congregation into missional opportunities within ourcommunity

Administration (25%)

  • Recruiting, coordinating and supporting all liturgical ministries, including music,visual arts, audio visual, worship servants, etc.
  • Overseeing the budget for Worship Ministries as well as the care of musicalequipment and resources

Details

  • Reports to Lead Pastor
  • Full-time position
  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • First round of application review begins 8/1/2017.

In order to apply, please email the following to sprc@allsaintsumc.org:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume, including contact information for three references
  3. Video of yourself singing and playing two songs of worship

Leader of Children and Youth Ministry, Granby, CT

By yaragj June 30th, 2017 in Archive

Leader of Children and Youth Ministry
First Congregational Church, UCC, Granby CT 06035
First Congregational Church of Granby (FCC) is seeking a part-time Leader of Children and Youth Ministry to develop and implement a robust program of Christian formation and spiritual exploration for children and youth with support of this theologically progressive congregation.
First Church expects the Leader of Children and Youth Ministry to:

  1. Implement programming for high school youth that includes weekly meetings of G Crew (high school group that includes both FCC members and other teens in the Granby community), plan and lead mission trips, and develop other outreach experiences.
  2. Collaborate with South Church on joint social events, service opportunities, and retreats for high school youth.
  3. Teach and work with volunteers to work with children grades K-6 in our Sunday school, the One Room Schoolhouse, and create ways to reach beyond curricular materials to actively engage children in exploring “God-Sightings,” those everyday events which catch our breath and give us pause.
  4. Explore alternative children and youth gathering models and times to increase participation.
  5. Through example and directed activities, encourage children, youth and families to strengthen relationships within FCC and with the local and global community.

Required characteristics
 Experience with youth leadership
 Embrace of diversity and divergent views
 Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with children and youth of all ages
 Demonstrated ability to organize, communicate and coordinate with volunteers and church leaders; team player
 Flexibility and creative out-of-the-box thinking
 Ability to meet children and youth on their terms and turf
 Able to adapt to a variety of developmental and behavioral needs
 Sensitivity to life crises
 Maturity, emotional security, compassion and caring
Desired characteristics
 Formal education: BA, MA and/or theological training
 Teaching experience
 Participation in ecumenical relationships with a focus on children and youth
The salary and benefits associated with this position will depend on experience and other desired characteristics, and will assume a 25-hour work week.
First Congregational Church, UCC, Granby, is an Equal Opportunity employer and is an Open and Affirming congregation.
For more information, visit the FCC website at www.firstchurchgranby.org or find FCC on Facebook. To apply, please email a resume and letter of interest to admin@firstchurchgranby.org.
Closing date for applications is July 31, 2017.

Sunday School Teacher, Newton, MA

By yaragj June 30th, 2017 in Archive

Newton Highlands Congregational Church, Newton, MA, is in search of four church school teachers. As a teacher, it will be your responsibility to teach children in your assigned age group a lesson plan that is developed and assigned by the Director of Christian Education.
*Experience with children of various ages in a church, camp or school. *Able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, especially dealing with parents, children and other teachers in a professional manner.
Responsibilities:
• Be prepared, punctual and excited to offer a 45 minute class. • Utilize time during week to review lesson using the curriculum. • Everything will be set up and ready for you to teach.
Compensation: $63. per worked Sunday (2 hours on Sunday 9:30 am - 11:30 and 1 hour previewing lesson). Paid training, meetings, and opportunity for extra work if desired. Position begins September 17th.
To Apply: Please email a cover letter and CV/Resume to Wendy Donnell at ce@nhcc.net. Must have solid references and satisfactory completion of a CORI criminal background check and references. 

Associate Pastor for Community Ministry, Jackson, MS

By yaragj June 30th, 2017 in Archive

Associate Pastor for Community Ministry
Overview: The Associate Pastor for Community Ministry is a member of Northminster Baptist Church’s pastoral staff, with primary responsibility for ministering to residents in the Mid-City and Georgetown neighborhoods. Northminster implemented its “Wider Net” program in 2001 with the specific intent of befriending, ministering to, and partnering with an inner-city neighborhood, and the church hired its first Community Minister in 2004.
Ministry Responsibilities:

  1. Coordinate and facilitate Northminster’s efforts to support and carry out programs of ministry in the Georgetown/Mid-City neighborhood.
  2. Serve as liaison to match up Northminster members and resources with community needs and activities.
  3. Cultivate relationships with other area churches, community organizations, and schools in an effort to work cooperatively within the community.
  4. Manage the Wider Net budget in conjunction with the Wider Net Committee.
  5. Evaluate Northminster’s ministry activities in the community on a regular basis so that the church may improve those programs which need improving, phase out those which do not prove effective, and determine which new programs, if any, should be added.
  6. Serve on Wider Net, Missions, and Denominational Relations Committees.
  7. Perform such other ministry activities (worship leadership, teaching, pastoral care, education) within Northminster as directed by its Senior Pastor and Deacons.

Prerequisites: Degree from Accredited Seminary (M.Div., M.S.W., or equivalent).
Two to five years’ experience in church or community ministry preferred.
Demonstrated ability to administer church-based community ministry activities.
Interested candidates should send resumes to donna@northminsterbaptist.org.