Alumni News
Director of Music/Organist, Part-Time, UMC: Valley Stream, NY
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
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!
Reverend Dr. Gregory W. McGonigle (’21) authors “Religious Diversity and University Chaplaincy Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Humanist Chaplaincy in Higher Education”
Reverend Dr. Gregory William McGonigle, ('21) authored the 2024 text titled Religious Diversity and University Chaplaincy: Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Humanist Chaplaincy in Higher Education
The book description reads:
"Since the 1990s, the religious diversity of United States universities has increased, with growing numbers of students, faculty, and staff who are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Humanist. To support these demographics, university chaplaincies and spiritual life programs have been expanding beyond their Christian and Jewish compositions to include chaplains and programs for these traditions. Through interviews with these new chaplains, this book examines how these chaplaincies developed, the preparation the chaplains needed, their responsibilities, and the current challenges and the future prospects of these programs. It provides valuable advice for university leaders about how and why to develop spiritual life programs to support today's religious diversity."
Director of Development, Full-Time, UCC: Boston, MA
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
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
Sunday School Teacher, Part-Time/Gig (Paid Per Appearance), Anglican: Boston, MA
St Peter's Anglican Church in Waltham is looking for a Sunday school teacher every Sunday starting at 12:30pm-1:30pm.
St Peter's is under the Episcopal church in the Diocese of Massachusetts. Compensation is negotiable.
CORI check will be required. Teaching music/piano will be a plus, but not required. Please email your CV/Resume to sam@stpetersanglicanchurch.org.
For more information please call: 617-335-7004.
Distinguished Alumnus Rev. Dr. Jung Sun Oh (’01) Published in United Methodist News
The following is an excerpt from Rev. Dr. Jung Sun Oh's article "The Role of Confucianism in East Asian Christianity," published by United Methodist News on September 4, 2024. Click here to read the full article.
"An anonymous theologian said that 'most Korean Christians are Confucians dressed in Christian robes.' This is also true for most East Asian Christians in Confucian-influenced societies in China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
This article aims to support pastors 
and congregations in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. The dialogue and mutual understanding of different cultures — Confucian and White Anglo Protestantism — will strengthen and help carry out effective cross-racial and cross-cultural ministries.
Most Koreans have been strongly influenced and shaped by the Confucian teachings that emphasize human relationships: one’s relationship with oneself, with family, friends and fellow human beings. The notion of filial piety (family reverence) is one of the core ethical, political, philosophical, spiritual and religious teachings of Confucianism."
Reverend J. J. Whitney (’00) to serve as Executive Director for Alumni & Constituent Engagement at Hendrix College
The following is an excerpt from the Hendrix College article “J.J. Whitney ’96 Appointed Executive Director for Alumni & Constituent Engagement at Hendrix College” published on August 23, 2024. Click here to read the full article.
Whitney’s impressive career journey includes a master’s degree from Boston University’s School of Theology and roles as a chaplain associate at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel and pastor at Hunter United Methodist Church in Little Rock. She returned to Hendrix in 2002, initially joining the Hendrix-Lilly Vocations Initiative (now the Miller Center for Vocation, Ethics, and Calling), where she developed and led co-curricular programs, organized service trips, coordinated seminary visits, and planned 
vocation conferences. Her Hendrix roles have included assistant chaplain, associate director of the Miller Center, and associate chaplain.
In 2015, Whitney was appointed Chaplain of the College following a national search. She served in this capacity until 2020 when she was appointed to First UMC Bentonville by the Bishop of the Arkansas Conference. After her tenure in Bentonville, Whitney retired from active clergy status and rejoined Hendrix as Programs Coordinator for Career Services, where she has guided and mentored students pursuing advanced degrees.
Rev. Dr. John D. Alexander (’14) Awarded Historical Society’s Burr Prize
The following is an excerpt from the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church's article “Alexander Receives Historical Society’s Burr Prize, Saillant Honorable Mention," published on August 6, 2024. Click here to read the full article.
"The article, which focuses on the beginning of Alexander Crummell’s remarkable and multi-faceted career, sheds important light not only on the history of the short-lived New England parish where Crummell served as rector, but also on the overall position of African Americans within both the Episcopal Church and American society in the mid-nineteenth century. The committee was particularly appreciative of Dr. Alexander’s willingness to extend his narrative beyond the internal affairs of a single parish, placing the history of Christ Church, Providence, within the much larger context of political events in Rhode Island during the tumultuous period before the Civil War."
Mr. Arthur W. Chaffee (’56) and Mrs. Joann Chaffee (’56)
We are saddened to announce the passing of spouses Mr. Arthur W. Chaffee ('56) and Mrs. Joann Chaffee ('56). Our thoughts and prayers are with their family. May their memory be a blessing.