Alumni News

Director of Ministry with Children and Families, Full-Time, UMC: Nashville, TN

By sthalum October 4th, 2024 in Job Postings

Belmont United Methodist Church is a community of Christ-followers growing in love of God and neighbor. This is what we at Belmont UMC believe Christian discipleship is, what we are to be, and what Jesus meant when he sent his followers to “make disciples.” We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We commit to Jesus’ example of inclusive love, care, and intentional hospitality with persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, faith story, physical or mental ability, economic status, or political perspective. We respect our diversity of opinion and expressions of faith. Therefore, as God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.

The Director of Ministry with Children and Families will be responsible for leading our children’s ministry and ministry with their families. They will ensure that children and their families’ spiritual education needs are met and that children are actively involved in the life of the congregation. The Director will recruit, equip, and empower a strong core of ministry partners so that Belmont can effectively meet the spiritual, educational and community needs of children and their families.

Essential Functions:

• Recruit, equip, and empower the volunteer ministry partners who lead children’s discipleship

• Support, encourage, resource, and empower ministry partners

• Work with other age level ministry staff and leaders to coordinate and integrate a church-wide plan of discipleship and Christian education so that our children and families can learn the age-appropriate fundamentals of our faith and love God with their minds, hearts and souls.

• Foster community by investing in relationships with children and their families

• Work with and support our children’s choir director to integrate all of our children discipleship efforts 

• Lead, plan, resource and oversee children’s Sunday School and other discipleship events

• Equip, lead and resource family ministry discipleship events and groups so our families are better equipped to lead family devotions, spiritual discussions and Christ-like leadership.

• Resource curriculum to meet the needs of children and families

• Create and equip leaders for new discipleship opportunities and groups for families

• Create a community with our ministry partners and our Children’s Ministry Committee that is engaged and supportive of children’s discipleship

• Advocate for ministry with children and families in church-wide planning and practice.

• Providing leadership for children’s ministry programming, especially on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings

• Coordinating, planning, and creating key annual events in children’s ministry, such as Vacation Bible School, All Church Retreat, Children’s Sabbath, kindergarten prayer friends and third grade bible presentations

• Coordinate and advocate for the deeper integration of children in worship services and church-wide events

• Contact visiting families and walk with them as they connect with, and hopefully join, our church

• Assist new member families to integrate into and engage in discipleship pathways

• Ensure adherence to the BUMC Safe Sanctuaries policy

• Support the Golden Triangle Fellowship Pastor and help GTF children be part of children’s programming (The Golden Triangle Fellowship is a community of immigrants and refugees from Thailand, Myanmar and Burma that are members of our church and worship in Belmont UMC’s chapel)

• Supervise the nursery coordinator and staff to ensure our nursery provides hospitality and is a safe and welcoming place for our youngest guests. Ensure our nursery offers age-appropriate Christian education and environment for our youngest members

• Work with the Belmont Weekday School to recruit and integrate WDS families into the discipleship of our church, being present to offer spiritual counsel and care for WDS staff and families with spiritual needs. 

Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications: The Director should show evidence of passion for ministry with children and deep interest in and commitment to faith formation of the entire church family. The ideal candidate would possess:

• Passion for helping Children accept their belovedness and grow up to be faithful Christ-followers

• A passion to integrate children’s discipleship into their homes

• The ability to project a sense of vibrancy, community and welcome

• The ability to attract, recruit, and equip volunteer ministry partners

• A passion for living into Belmont’s welcoming statement ensuring all people are welcomed and embraced

• Excellent organization and planning skills along with an ability to delegate and equip volunteers

• Prior experience and leadership in children’s ministry or children’s education

• Knowledge and understanding of the United Methodist Church and our theology

• A strong team player

• An understanding of and training in child development

• A deep commitment to ensuring child protection and safety

• The ability to listen to and communicate with people of all ages

• Four-year Bachelor’s degree and training, experience, and/or passion in Christian education for children

• Cross-cultural competency and experience

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in an educational environment leading children. The employee must occasionally lift or move objects or assist with normal children’s activities being able to lift items up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to use standard office equipment and be able to join in some forms of normal childcare activities .

Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy: Belmont United Methodist Church strives to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. We will not permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, handicap, or any other legally protected category under applicable federal or state law. This standard of conduct applies to all managers, supervisors, employees, customers, and vendors.

Reports to: Senior Pastor.

Salary Range: commensurate with experience and education.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement (403b), Vacation, Life Insurance

Hours: 40+ hours per week; hours are flexible during normal weekday business hours; some remote work may be coordinated with your supervisor.  Regular attendance on Wednesday evenings, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings, as well as other occasional evening and weekend events are required.

Submission Process: Candidates should submit resumes and cover letters (optional) to Seth Neumann by emailing seth@belmontumc.org.

Minister of Music, Part-Time, Episcopal: Needham, MA

By sthalum October 3rd, 2024 in Job Postings

The Minister of Music will be the principal musician, and will work collegially with the Rector, staff, parish leadership, and parish musicians to lead the musical aspects of our overall mission to love God and neighbor as Jesus teaches. We seek someone who is skilled, comfortable, and happy playing both the organ and piano, as well as teaching and directing a choir of mixed professional and parish singers. Familiarity with and sensitivity to church liturgies are very important, as is a passion for excellence.

This person will have a degree in music or equivalent proficiency, and demonstrated joy, flexibility, dependability, and creativity in the making of music in a sacred setting. We desire a person with a deep conviction in the power of music to lift the human spirit and to inspire each of us to be our best selves in a world in need of hope and healing. The Music Minister will work with the Rector to attract and retain section leaders with a similar conviction. A desire to grow in familiarity with the Anglican musical tradition at its widest view—77 million Anglicans on 6 continents—is helpful. We also desire an interest in programming compositions by female composers as well as composers of color.

This person believes that everyone can sing, values the musical gifts of those called to sing alongside paid section leaders, as well as those who are “singers in the pews.” This person also has the flexibility to gather ad hoc groups of singers to offer musical pieces that are accessible to all regardless of age or ability. This person will also encourage the visibility, gifts and talents of younger members of the congregation; and would welcome the opportunity to recruit, teach, and direct a Children’s/Youth Choir.

Essential Functions

+Work with the Rector (and periodically with an ad hoc Worship and Arts Committee) on liturgy design and planning

+Serve as director, organist, and pianist for the parish choir

+short (usually weekly) meetings with Rector and staff (sometimes by Zoom).

+ Seasonally longer meeting with the Rector to sketch out seasonal music plans.

+Plan and select hymnody and service music in a timely fashion for the liturgies of the congregation in consultation and partnership with the Rector using as a basis Hymnal 1982, Wonder, Love and Praise (WLP), Lift Every Voice and Sing (LEVAS) as well other sources; program anthems. Service music is done seasonally. Hymns a month or so ahead.

+With the support of the Rector and other lay leaders, recruit, train, and rehearse the choir, vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles

+Provide or arrange for the provision of music at funerals and weddings

+Manage the music budget in consultation with Rector and Treasurer’s Office

+Submit monthly payroll for section leaders

+Manage music-related communications and worship bulletin in consultation with the Director of Parish Operations, including on-line streaming permissions for music

+Manage the choir library and maintain the musical instruments of the parish

+Hire musicians as may be required to meet the musical needs of the parish, including but not limited to substitute organists and /or conductors, instrumentalists, and singers (for example, Easter trumpets)

+Interest in the opportunity to program and manage parish-sponsored concerts and music events for the wider community

+Consult with non-parish music event sponsors requesting to use the facilities and music instruments (a very small part of the job)

+An annual review is part of the oversight function of the Rector.

Salary and Terms Summary

+Part-time, year ‘round salaried position, averaging about 15 hours per week

+salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and education in concert with the 2023 salary survey of the Association of Anglican Musicians

+4 weeks of paid vacation, 4 Sundays off.

+Music Budget provide funds for professional memberships in the AGO

+Right of first refusal for funerals and weddings for additional fees

+After 1 year, Christ Church will offer a retirement plan to the Minister of Music. Christ Church will contribute 5% of salary to a Fidelity plan of the Music Minister’s choice. Christ Church will match up to 4% of employee contribution.

+Use of facilities for private teaching

Additional Information

Availability: negotiable, but preferably before Christmas, 2024

To apply: please submit a cover letter; a CV; the names and contact information for 3 references (including a clergy supervisor) and a link to a performance or rehearsal.

Please be in touch with Nick Morris-Kliment, Rector, at needhamrector@gmail.com to learn more. We look forward to meeting you.

Christ Episcopal Church 1132 Highland Avenue Needham MA 02494, www.ccneedham.org, 781-444-1469

Director of Gideon’s Garden, Full-Time, Episcopal: Great Barrington, MA

By sthalum October 3rd, 2024 in Job Postings

Grace Church, an Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires, seeks a full time, year-round Director of Gideon’s Garden to manage our 1.5 acre farm, to mentor, teach and supervise local youth, interns and community volunteers. Gideon’s Garden is a youth operated garden in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Supported and staffed by Grace Episcopal Church in partnership with Taft Farms, it supplies 100% of its fresh produce to hungry folks in the area, free of charge.

Ordination is not required, though we do require the director to be fully engaged in their own faith journey. The candidate must love creation and see farming as a method of ministry. They must also have a strong passion for working with youth, and a desire to meet and impact young people where they are – whether they are Christian or not. (We do not expect the outcome of this work to “fill our pews”, but rather to translate the love of God into the language needed by those who will work in the Garden.) The successful candidate will have experience in farming and in youth leadership. Because Gideon’s Garden is located on the land of a commercial farm, the ability to work well with professional farmers, business partners, and seasonal workers is essential. So too is a natural gift for relationship building with young people, and a heart for making community with people across difference of all kinds: volunteers, food access partners, local non-profits, former interns, and people from the Grace Church community.

Day-to-day responsibilities of the Director include: planning, planting, tending, harvesting, and delivering healthy, organic produce to local food pantries. Running the Summer Internship Program for local youth is central to the work of the director, who will also:
• create an accessible curriculum suitable for interns with a wide range of abilities
• lead and organize the 9-week Summer internship Program
• mentor, support and cheer on all young people involved with the garden
• train and supervise a young adult to serve as Summer Youth Supervisor
• create and implement a budget
• produce regular updates for the Grace Church weekly newsletter
Partner with our priest to:
• build and support a robust volunteer base from within the Grace Church community
• maintain year-round relationships with school counselors and teachers
• gather former and current interns seasonally for community building and fun
• organize, publicize and staff the Garden’s regular planting days, harvest celebrations, and volunteer opportunities for the community at large
• take their part in leadership of Grace Church’s Sunday worship service as desired

Proficiency in Spanish a plus!
Salary commensurate with experience.
Full benefits provided.
For more information, visit www.gideonsgarden.org

To apply, please send a cover letter and resumé to Joel at jcjorgensen97@gmail.com & to Pennie at penledge@hotmail.com by November 15th, 2024

Director of Music/Organist, Part-Time, UMC: Valley Stream, NY

By sthalum October 3rd, 2024 in Job Postings

The director of music will manage the ongoing needs of the music program, arrange for and lead choirs, and play the piano/organ for Sunday services. The music director will also manage and lead special music events like the Christmas concert and special services during the Lenten Season. The director will work in partnership with the pastor and worship committee.

Part-time: 20 hours/week
Compensation: $35,000-$37,000
Application Deadline: October 31, 2024
Contact: Rev Eumin Kim at EuminOh.Kim@nyac-umc.com

Church website: gracevsny.org. Click here for full job description.

Pastor, Part-Time, Congregational: Granville, NY

By sthalum September 24th, 2024 in Job Postings

The South Granville Congregational church is currently seeking a part-time pastor. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience. We would prefer a Seminary student, graduate, and/or someone with considerable Pastoral experience. We would like to see a demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith and the principles of teaching from the Holy Bible. We are seeking someone with strong preaching and teaching skills. We want you to inspire us, educate us, and help us grow in our faith. We are looking for someone who has leadership experience in Pastoral ministry, including Pastoral care, worship planning, and community involvement. We would benefit greatly from someone with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. We want you to connect with us, as we are individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. We would blossom with a Spiritual leader who has a heart for Pastoral care and a desire to walk alongside us and our families during both times of celebration and times of difficulty.

We are an independent Congregational Church; we are not affiliated with the NACCC. The object of a Congregational Church shall be to bind together the followers of Jesus Christ for the purpose of sharing the worship of God and in making His will dominant in the lives of men and women, individually and collectively, especially as that will is set forth in the life, teachings, death, and living presence of Jesus Christ. A Congregational Church acknowledges Jesus Christ as its head and finds in the Holy Scriptures, interpreted by the Divine Spirit through faith, conscience, and reason, its guidance in all matters of faith and practice. The government of the Church shall be vested in its members, who exercise the right of control in all its affairs.

Job Description

• Lead and oversee all aspects of worship services, including the observation of ordinances and proclamation of the immutable Word of God and loving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Provide pastoral care and support to meet the needs of the congregation and the community, offering guidance, counsel, and prayer during times of joy, sorrow, and spiritual growth.
• Using a collaborative spirit, work effectively with staff, volunteers, and church leaders to achieve shared goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

A. Weekly Activities

• Prepare for and conduct worship services, lead in the observance of the ordinances, and inspire the proclamation of the Gospel.
• Collaborate with church leaders, committees, and volunteers to create and implement strategies for discipleship, spiritual growth, and community outreach.
• Provide guidance for all aspects of church finances, including budgets and expenses.
• Facilitate/support the Adult Bible Study and youth programs (Light Club and VBS).

B. Additional Activities (as needed)

• Provide home/hospital/hospice care and support (illness, communion, prayer, etc.).
• Conduct premarital/vocational/family/bereavement (etc.) counseling.
• Perform wedding ceremonies, funeral/memorial services, baptisms.
• Support the congregation in membership recruitment, including a possible visitation program for inactive and/or prospect members.
• Support the congregation in mission work (local, regional, national, and international).
• Serve as a representative of the church in civic matters, i.e. Mettowee Valley Ecumenical Council meetings and activities, as scheduled.

About Our Church and Area

Nestled in the beautiful hills surrounding Granville stands a quintessential New England country church. Originally founded in 1789, with a rich and full history, South Granville Congregational Church (SGCC) today is a thriving church of about 45 strong believers who enjoy faith, fellowship, and service. We live and worship together serving God and our community. Listed in the National Registry of Historical Places, SGCC has been a beacon of love, hope, and spiritual guidance for over 200 years. Notable pastors include Lemuel Haynes (1822–1833), the first ordained Black, abolitionist Pastor in the United States. As an independent Congregational Church, we believe that the Holy Bible is the Inspired Word of God. You will find Biblical preaching during our services and Bible Studies. We also believe in the tenets of the Apostles’ Creed.
We have the Adirondack Mountains to the west, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the east, and Lake George, Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid and many other lakes and state/local parks nearby. Not only are we surrounded by the four-season glory of nature, but we also have incredible hiking, boating, cycling, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities. As a bonus, this area is steeped in history and significant historical sites.

Additional information about our church can be found on our website: sgcongregationalchurch.org.
For more information about this position, please email your interest to sgccpsc@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Director of Development, Full-Time, UCC: Boston, MA

By sthalum September 19th, 2024 in Job Postings

The Allston Brighton Food Pantry provides food relief to over 2,000 households and 5,000 individuals annually in its neighborhood. It is housed in the Brighton Allston Congregational Church, which is a radically progressive worshiping community within the United Church of Christ with a strong commitment to welcoming and celebrating queer and trans members and guests, actively promoting racial and environmental justice, and supporting the ABFP’s large and growing food justice ministry.

The Director of Development (DD) will oversee all fundraising activities for the food pantry and church. She/He/They will join the team at an exciting time – the organization has a strong and growing reputation as a welcoming place that actively “walks the talk” in pursuit of its progressive values and social justice.  Church membership has tripled in the last four years, signaling increased interest in its work and belief in its leadership. The team is innovative and responsive to community needs. And there is a dedicated, talented group of staff and volunteers ready to support the DD’s efforts.

Location: Brighton Center (Boston, MA); Hybrid work schedule

Scope & Size: $1m annual budget; 11 staff

Salary Range: $130,000-$150,000 plus comprehensive benefits

Desired credentials:
- Strong, demonstrated passion for BACC/ABFP’s missions
- Proven understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience working with diverse groups
- Comfortable working in a highly diverse workplace and with donors and volunteers from all walks of life
- Minimum of 7+ years of fundraising experience with progressively expanding accomplishments and a proven track record of working with 5- and 6-figure donors
- Experience in multiple areas of fundraising, including personally and successfully securing donations of at least $15,000 from individuals, demonstrated ability to secure grants of at least $10,000, and proven ability to grow the donor base of an organization through a mix of systems, outreach, relationship-building, and solicitation
- Strategic and analytical skills, strong work ethic, and ability to execute within a small resource-constrained environment
- Proven ability to be a proactive “nudge,” modeling effective follow-through in their work and for others
- Direct and kind communicator who can handle challenging situations and is adept at resolving conflicts with a partnership mindset
- Organized but not controlling – able to recognize when flexibility is needed and be nimble with grace, patience, and a collaborative spirit
- Has a strong sense of self and is confident without being egotistical
- Previous experience organizing and catalyzing the work of colleagues and volunteers
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Previous professional and/or volunteer experience working with a faith community; an existing understanding of progressive Christianity is preferred but not required

Application portal: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Pastor of Community Formation, Full-Time, Methodist: Indianapolis, IN

By sthalum September 17th, 2024 in Job Postings

About North United Methodist Church:
We are a large urban congregation with a diverse membership that is drawn from the Indianapolis metropolitan area united by a common quest for authentic faith in God’s grace. We seek to be a living witness for Jesus Christ through ministries of compassion, peace, and justice with our neighbors. We celebrate our diversity and strive to deepen our practices of inclusion of people of all ages, nations, races, identities, abilities and backgrounds. Our witness and fellowship are grounded in our progressive traditional trinitarian worship.

Essential Duties of the Pastor of Community Formation:
The Pastor of Community Formation is a full-time, salaried position offering competitive compensation and full benefits. The work of the Pastor is roughly divided into three areas:

Mission and Outreach (1/2 time):

• Create new and expand current outreach ministries with a holistic and transformative vision of mission
• Cultivate and equip the calling of members and nonmembers to engage in acts of mercy and justice
• Build local, national, and international relationships and partnerships that manifest the Realm of God

Adult Faith Formation (1/4 time):

• Coordinate and resource adult faith formation and discipleship
• Empower lay leadership for hospitality and evangelism

General Pastoral Leadership (1/4 time):

• Assist in leading worship and regular preaching opportunities
• Assist with visitation and congregational care

Education and Experience 

• Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent required
• United Methodist Deacon or ordination in a denomination in the Wesleyan tradition or a Christian denomination with an affiliated, covenant, concordat or ecumenical relationship with the United Methodist Church is required
• Minimum of 3 years full-time parish ministry experience preferred
• Training/experience in community organizing and advocacy preferred

For more information: www.northchurchindy.com