Alumni News

Minister of Faith Formation, Part-Time, UCC: Dennis, MA

By sthalum September 11th, 2024 in Job Postings

Position: Minister of Faith Formation

Reports to: The Rev. Nancy McHugh, Dennis Union Church

Date of Description: September 10, 2024

The children, youth, families, staff and full membership of the Dennis Union Church (“DUC”) seek a creative, nurturing, and faithful leader to walk alongside us and guide us as our Minister of Faith Formation (“MFF”).

Job Description Summary:

The MFF is responsible for envisioning, planning, organizing and implementing the faith formation programs for youth and adults at DUC; working with the Senior Pastor to envision and construct a curriculum for children; supervising Sunday School; and occasional worship leadership (participation and preaching). The position anticipates 24 hours per week for 48 weeks annually. The MFF reports directly to the Senior Pastor and partners with the Board of Christian Education (“BCE”). DUC is committed to being an inclusive church, grounded in Christian love, and committed to service. We are an Open and Affirming congregation, fully inclusive and welcoming of all LGBTQIA+ individuals and families and committed to continued learning and growth.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate weekly Religious Education curriculum and ongoing programming for DUC children, youth, and adults in coordination with the Senior Pastor, Music Director, and BCE.
  • Create and coordinate the Children’s Message with Senior Pastor.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute youth gatherings, adult faith formation programming, intergenerational game nights, related service projects
  • Work with Senior Pastor with Confirmation Class curriculum and delivery (note: DUC has 11 confirmation students for 2024).
  • Assist in record keeping, enrollment, and guidance for students and parents engaged in the faith formation process.
  • Manage children and youth database and mitigate risk associated with allergy restrictions
• Maintain regular communication with students, families and church membership on programs and schedules through bulletins, newsletters, text messages, including a proficiency with current digital, communication, and social media tools.
• Work in partnership with the Senior Pastor to provide care to the wider DUC community.
• Meet regularly with the senior Pastor to discuss matters of mutual concern, budgets, and program planning.
• Meet regularly with the BCE and attend staff meetings.
• Select curriculum materials as well as all other items for budget consideration or expense for approval by the BCE.
• Maximize user of resources and supplies by finding ways to use current inventory and purchasing responsibly sourced goods in quantities that can be used in the near term.
• Recruit and support volunteers following the DUC Safe Church Policies
• Be responsible for overseeing that students have transportation to and from off-campus events according to Safe Church Policy
• Represent the DUC in regional activities related to the children's and youth faith formation.
• Adhere to the DUC Personnel and Safe Church Policies.

This job description is not intended to be a complete description of all essential functions and other responsibilities. Essential functions and other responsibilities may be added, modified or deleted at any time by the Senior Pastor; however, changes will normally be consistent with the nature of the position.

Professional and Professional Qualifications:

• Commitment to the Christian faith and experience working in the church.
• Enthusiastic and optimistic about working with youth.
• Willing to engage in continuing educational opportunities focused on ministry and Faith Formation.
• Works effectively with all ages, is an effective communicator, organized, self-directed and collaborative
• Academic training in education, some religious or biblical studies, human and faith development helpful or equivalency through UCC (or other denominational) conferences, courses, and/or workshops.

Position is 24 hours per week, for 48 weeks annually, to include specific office hours. Salary is $40,000.

If interested, please submit your resume and letter of intent, addressed to the Rev. Nancy McHugh, at revmcq@duchurch.org.

Senior Pastor, Full-Time, Baptist: College Park, MD

By sthalum September 11th, 2024 in Job Postings

University Baptist Church is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-theological congregation where people worship together, serve the same Lord, walk in love for one another, celebrate the same salvation in Jesus Christ, and embrace the same hope for the coming of the reign of God. We associate with others locally and nationally to do more collectively than we can do on our own. We support mission and ministry in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area through partnership with the District of Columbia Baptist Convention, and national and international mission and ministry through partnership with American Baptist Churches, USA, and the Alliance of Baptists.
​
We seek a senior pastor who is a community builder and compassionate guide, possessing a deep understanding of scripture and the ability to convey its teachings through engaging sermons. Experience in the pulpit and a visionary outlook for growth are essential, coupled with a commitment to social justice and equity. We're looking for someone who embodies a blend of inspiring leadership and deep faith. With a strong pastoral presence, they should be empathetic and caring, capable of guiding and supporting the community through tact and wisdom. Strong administrative abilities and collaborative organizational skills are desired to guide our staff and congregation.

The ideal candidate will have a Master of Divinity degree, or equivalent, or higher, and 5-10 years of pastoral experience. Preference for candidates in the Baptist tradition or experience in, or at least familiarity with, American Baptist Churches and Alliance of Baptists is also preferred.
​
To view the full position description and to apply, please visit www.weareubc.org.

Congregational Song Leader, Part-Time, UCC: Medford, MA

By sthalum September 11th, 2024 in Job Postings

About Us
Hillside Community Church is an open and inclusive church on a mission to love God and love people. We are entering an exciting period of growth and transformation. Our music program is an important piece of this evolution, blurring the lines between the sacred and the secular. This approach creates a unique musical experience that complements the progressive, boundary-pushing spirit of our community. From the depths of classic hymns played on the organ to the lively strumming of pop ballads on guitar, our services feature a variety of musical styles, each chosen to uplift and inspire. You can find a sample of what our current musicians are doing here.

We are looking for a Congregational Song Leader, who will play an integral part in shaping the future of our music program. We’re seeking a visionary singer-songwriter with a knack for blending a variety of musical genres into a cohesive and uplifting worship experience.

Role
As our Congregational Song Leader, you won’t just be filling a vacancy; you'll be an integral part of shaping the future of our music program. We're seeking a visionary singer-songwriter with a knack for blending a variety of musical genres into a cohesive and uplifting worship experience. Your unique talents and creative perspective will be the cornerstone of developing a program that reflects the dynamic spirit of our community.

Responsibilities:
• Lead and inspire our congregation through music at our 10:30am worship service each Sunday
• Collaborate closely with the music director and pastoral team to ensure that the music program aligns with and enhances the thematic elements of each service.
• Arrange music and adapt songs from a wide array of genres to fit our setting, creating arrangements that speak to the hearts of our congregation.
• Facilitate the music program on Sundays that the Music Director is absent
• Help with special services as negotiated (i.e. Christmas Eve, Easter Sunrise Service)

The Ideal Candidate Will…
• Be effective in leading music in worship
• Have good vocal technique for leading with or without amplification
• Be able to play guitar or other accompaniment instrument
• Have knowledge of hymnody and church music
• Be familiar with various musical genres
• Work well with church staff and congregation

Perks:
• Use of sanctuary and its instruments for recordings, lessons, or performances with prior approval of Music Director and Pastor
• Right of first refusal for wedding and funeral performances

Hours:
• 2 hours on site each Sunday (1 hour for practice before service and 1 hour for the service)
• 1/2 hour of coordination via email during the week (timing TBD in conjunction with Song Leader)

Compensation
$175 per week

Evaluation
Three months into the role, the song leader and pastor will engage in a formal review to ensure mutual expectations are being fulfilled.

Sunday School Coordinator, Part-Time, UCC: Stoneham, MA

By sthalum September 11th, 2024 in Job Postings

First Congregational Church in Stoneham
Sunday School Coordinator

The First Congregational Church in Stoneham, and Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, has an opening for the position of Sunday School Coordinator.

Job requirements/expectations:
● plan for the coming program year before school starts (i.e. starting in mid-August)
● coordinate Sunday School registration forms and oversee Rally Sunday (second Sunday of September)
● prepare class rosters of children
● work with Christian Education (CE) Board and pastor to select curriculum
● collaborate with pastor in leading Children’s Time during worship services
● meet with teachers to provide materials and curriculum
● facilitate online and/or hybrid educational activities as needed
● organize and oversee one-room schoolhouse program during summer months
● follow up with new families to welcome them, inform pastor of their presence
● order and re-stock Sunday School supplies
● maintain bulletin boards near classrooms
● keep CE closet, CE office, and CORIs up to date
● coordinate crafts and activities for children at seasonal church events
● organize fall and spring mission activities
● write monthly Sunday School update for the church newsletter
● oversee implementation of the church’s Safe Church policies for CE activities
● communicate regularly with pastor to coordinate worship, Sunday School, and liturgical season activities for the children, update pastor on children and families
● attend training sessions as recommended by pastor or CE

This person should be a person of commitment to the Christian faith who has a passion for children and their religious education. A thorough knowledge of the Bible is not required, but we do ask for a willingness to learn right along with the children! This person must be well organized, have basic computer skills, and possess gifts of leadership, enthusiasm, and service.

The hours required will vary from week to week, but 4-5 hours is the average. This position necessitates that the Superintendent be present at church each week that there is Sunday School. The CE Board will also consider co-coordinators. This position reports to the CE Board. It has a yearly stipend of $3,183.

Please submit a letter of interest to office@firstchurchstoneham.org or the First Church of Stoneham, attn: Sunday School Coordinator Job Search, 1 Church Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

Additional Information: https://www.firstchurchstoneham.org