Alumni News
Full-time Minister, Presbyterian Church of Barnet: Barnet, VT
Presbyterian Church of Barnet, Vermont – Seeks a Full-time Minister
We are a vibrant, community-based Presbyterian Church in northeastern Vermont, searching for a full-time minister.
In Barnet, we are looking for a minister/leader who will:
• Lead us in Sunday worship (and occasional special worship services) and administer sacraments for members and the community at wide.
• Encourage our growth in faith and church leadership.
• Become part of our community and spearhead our outreach to neighbors.
• Support our Sunday School Teachers who lead and teach our active children and teens.
• Lead our current adult Bible study.
And:
• Someone who will visit our elderly, sick, and shut-ins, by themselves or with a church member.
• Someone who will share our joys, concerns, and sense of humor.
Compensation:
The Session agrees to provide the following compensation to our installed minister (following Presbytery of Northern New England, PNNE, guidelines.):
• Base Salary: $38,200 per year on a full-time basis
• Housing Allowance: We have a Manse, for full or part-time use. The Manse is within easy walking distance of our main church building. Manse plus utilities is valued at $11,300 for PNNE calculations. (Actually, it is worth double this).
• Total ‘Effective Salary’ of $49,500
• Social Security Offset of 7.65%, $3,786
• Board of Pensions, Health care, Covenant Package of $18,686
• Total Benefits of $27,348
• Study Allowance: $1,660/year, reimbursed.
• Mileage (at IRS rate) and professional expenses: voucher and reimburse to $1,500.
• Total reimbursed expenses of $3,160
• Board of Pensions: based upon the requirements of the Presbytery, $27,384.
• Giving a Grand Total Terms of Call of $80,008.
Please send all inquiries to William Conant – Tel: 802-633-2862
Email Address wconant@myfairpoint.net
Study leave: The Session expects the Pastor to attend seminars, workshops, and courses up to two weeks per year.
Paid vacation leave: The Session encourages the Pastor to take vacation, one week including Sunday, for each three months of service.
The area
Barnet Vermont is a small town (township) with a population of about 1,700. We are located in the ‘Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.’
Our Church was founded by Scottish settlers in 1791 (a year before Vermont became the 14th State.) In 1993, the two Presbyterian churches in Barnet merged. We usually have 40- 50 people taking Communion each month; average attendance at worship is 5-10 more than this. We worship in the church building in West Barnet from September through May, and in the Barnet Center building during the summer. The Manse is located in West Barnet, an easy walk to the church. We have a Retreat Center that we rent out from May through November.
We have five buildings: the Center Church and Green Mountain Retreat Center, the West Barnet Church and Church Store, and the pastoral Manse. The closest Presbyterian Church is about eight miles away. Nearby are a number of other small membership churches of various denominations, and two Buddhist Meditation centers.
Our K-8 school is about 4 miles from the manse, on the school bus route. Barnet currently offers paid tuition for high school students, with 90% using the St Johnsbury Academy, a private boarding and day school. The recent median family income in Barnet was $65,000, slightly higher than the county average.
Programs
The Presbyterian Church of Barnet strives to educate through Bible study, adult and youth Sunday school, and vacation bible school taught by teachers and leaders who volunteer their time and skills. In addition to worship and communion services, our monthly healing and wholeness services continue to draw congregants for healing prayers. Of special importance in worship is the sharing by congregants of joys and concerns. Coffee Hour after worship services provides time for congregants to share their lives with each other and build a feeling of family.
We participate in local supportive ministries such as the Senior Meal Site and church thrift store, community food bank, Facebook Live for shut-ins and those unable to attend in person, and a variety of charities for families in need. We support world-wide missions such as the Heifer Project, One Great Hour of Sharing, and others as offered by the PCUSA. Members participate in Presbyterian Disaster Assistance mission trips.
We also are involved in activities that build community bonds, such our Annual Church Auction, our 4th of July Chicken BBQ, ‘mile long yard-sale, and other community dinners. Our buildings provide meeting space for a variety of community groups and functions.
Early in 2025, as part of updating our Mission Statement, we asked 50 worshipers to take the Holy Cow-Congregational Assessment Tool. Forty-two completed the survey. Information from that survey has been helpful and is included in our multi-page Mission Statement. We also received an interesting Mission Insight Report, using Census data- comparing our 20 mile radius with the entire state of Vermont
Mission Statement
The Presbyterian Church of Barnet, Vermont is a family of followers of Jesus Christ seeking to serve God and neighbor through shared ministries of worship, education, fellowship, compassion and hospitality encouraging an intimate relationship with God through prayer and welcoming everyone to participate with us in our life and ministry together.
Conclusion
The Presbyterian Church of Barnet is a strong, healthy congregation. We are educating our youth in Christian values and nurturing the faith of our worshippers. We welcome all that approach our doors. We are a vital piece of the community makeup, and a tie that binds us as Christian Vermonters.
An Interim or Settled Pastor, Part Time, First Congregational Church of Rutland: Rutland, MA
We are a small, welcoming congregation located in the heart of Rutland, Massachusetts, and we are currently seeking an interim or settled part time pastor to guide us through this season of transition.
Our church is proud to be an Open and Affirming congregation of the UCC, committed to welcoming all of God’s people with love and acceptance. We have deep ties to our local community and value connection, compassion, and faith in action.
We are looking for an interim or settled pastor who can provide steady spiritual leadership, thoughtful preaching, and caring pastoral support while we prepare for our next settled minister. Ideally, the position would begin as soon as possible.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading weekly worship and preaching
- Offering pastoral care and support to members and friends
Working collaboratively with church leaders and committees
- Helping our congregation reflect, heal, and prepare for our next chapter of ministry
We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with your seminary community, recent graduates, or clergy seeking interim or settled work. Interested individuals may contact me at ericaskerry@gmail.com for additional details.
Thank you for your time and for the important work you do in preparing and supporting those called to ministry. We deeply appreciate your help in connecting us with someone who feels called to walk alongside our church family during this meaningful transition.
With gratitude and blessings,
Erica Skerry
Search Committee Representative
First Congregational Church of Rutland – A Community Church (UCC)
Rutland, Massachusetts
Reverend Keith Rollins Beasley-Topliffe (’78)
The following obituary was originally Published by the Cremation Society of New Hampshire on October 4, 2025, and can be found here.
The Rev. Keith Beasley-Topliffe, a retired United Methodist pastor of nearly 40 years, died of Alzheimer’s Disease on October 4, 2025 at The Arbors of Bedford, NH, where he resided. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, The Rev. Carola Beasley-Topliffe of Manchester, NH, his daughter, Laura Beasley-Topliffe of Salem MA, and his sister, Karen Beasley of Springfield VA, as well as sisters and brothers-in-law and their children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, the late Marion and Neeva (Sanders) Beasley.
Keith grew up in Arlington VA, where among many other interests he was involved in Boy Scouting, becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Cornell University (BA in Computer Science ’72), Boston University School of Theology (M.Div. ’78) and Duquesne University (MA in Spiritual Formation ‘94). A lifelong (United) Methodist, he served numerous parishes in the Wyoming, Central Pennsylvania, and Susquehanna Conferences, retiring in 2016. In retirement, he also served at Raymond, NH UMC during COVID. He wrote and edited for Upper Room Books and had a book Surrendering to God published by Paraclete Press.
A computer science major in college, he continued to enjoy developments in computers and smartphones and liked playing word games and puzzles. Keith liked all kinds of music, played the guitar, sang in church choirs, and was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 40 years. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed teaching in various settings. He was glad to have the opportunity to travel and was able to visit several US states, plus trips to Canada, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, the UK, and India. On vacation trips he especially liked walking trails, scenic cruises and train rides, and roller coasters. In retirement he and Carola enjoyed hiking, especially along rail trails, and exploring the New England area.
Keith’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 961 Valley Street, Manchester, NH 03103. Light refreshments will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First UMC Manchester, The United Methodist Committee on Relief (giveumcmission.org), or the Barbershop Harmony Society (barbershop.org). A private burial of ashes will occur at a later date. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester.
BUSTH launches new Online Master of Divinity
Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Online Master of Divinity (OMDiv) program, designed to make high-quality theological education more accessible to students across the globe. Through rigorous academics and spiritual formation combined with practical ministry experience, the program prepares students for ordained or lay ministry, all within a supportive and interactive virtual community.
“The need for trained and compassionate faith leaders has never been greater,” said G. Sujin Pak, Dean of the School of Theology. “By launching the Online Master of Divinity, we hope to share even more broadly and accessibly the unique combination of beloved community, stellar teaching, high-level learning, and fruitful spaces of dialogue that the School of Theology cultivates in its vocation to equip wise and courageous leaders for today.”
The OMDiv offers a curriculum that builds core competencies in sacred texts and interpretation, practical theology, ethics, spirituality, and spiritual care, complemented by contextual education placements that allow students to integrate learning with ministry in their local communities. Launching with the inaugural Ecclesial Ministry track, and a Chaplaincy track to follow, the program supports students preparing for ordained or endorsed ministry, grounding them deeply in their own traditions while equipping them broadly for faithful service. The OMDiv embodies the School of Theology’s historic Methodist roots and its ongoing mission to form leaders who serve with wisdom, humanity, and justice.
Final approval of the OMDiv as a new graduate degree at Boston University is anticipated in November 2025. Initial admissions decisions for the Fall 2026 OMDiv cohort are slated to be issued in December 2025.
Prof. Shelly Rambo featured on Regent College Podcast
The following is an excerpt from the Regent College podcast episode “Dr. Shelly Rambo: Twenty Years at the Intersection of Trauma and Theology” featuring Professor of Theology Shelly Rambo, published on October 24, 2025.
Today we're having a conversation with Dr. Shelly Rambo who is a theologian and professor at Boston University School of Theology, and she explores the intersection of trauma, theology, and spiritual care. Her research has shaped trauma-informed approaches to chaplaincy and theological education, particularly in seminary contexts, and she is the author of a book called Spirit and Trauma:A Theology of Remaining and Resurrecting Wounds, and she is a leading voice in rethinking Christian theology and how it engages with suffering, surviving, and the work of healing.
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Prof. Steven Sandage featured in BU Brink article on BU Research Project on Mental Health and Well-Being
The following is an excerpt from a BU Brink article “New BU Research Project Aims to Shift Mental Health Focus Beyond Symptoms to Meaning and Well-Being” by Bailey Scott (COM'26), featuring Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology Steven Sandage, published October 31, 2025.
Steven Sandage wants to change the way mental health care is practiced and studied. A clinical psychologist who teaches at Boston University School of Theology, he believes that mental health care providers can better support their patients by incorporating into their treatment the strengths, community, life purpose, and holistic well-being of those in their care—factors outside the typical scope of the clinical discipline.
Sandage, the Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion & Theology, and his team recently received a $5.2 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to fund an initiative on training psychotherapists to incorporate these ideas and new training and treatment research into their practices. Led by Sandage and Jesse Owen, a professor at the University of Denver, the project will span eight clinical sites across the United States and Ireland. The work started in September and will continue for the next three years.
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Administrative Assistant/Church Administrator, Part Time, North Congregational Church, UCC: Middleborough, MA
Administrative Assistant/Church Administrator
North Congregational Church, UCC, Middleborough, MA 02346
Serves as administrative assistant and reports to the senior pastor.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Coordinates church calendar/scheduling.
• Updates the NCC church website on a regular basis.
• Updates Facebook and Instagram on a regular basis.
• Responds to emails, voicemail and postal mail in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Updates and maintain church databases.
• Writes and distributes email notifications, newsletters and other congregational correspondence in a timely and professional manner.
• Schedules church activities with the pastor, sexton and other church leaders as needed.
• Serves as a contact person for groups wishing to rent building, grounds or materials.
• Supports pastor as needed for church duties such as weekly bulletin, newsletters, etc.
• Coordinates annual review with the Board of Health, along with training.
• Initiates, writes and submits press releases to local news outlets and periodic pieces to state- wide entities and UCC newsletters.
• Post office hours and availability. Day/s and hours to be posted in newsletter and bulletin.
• Maintains inventory of office and building supplies and orders when necessary.
• Schedules contractors for annual maintenance (organ, fire dept., heating co., etc. and contact appropriate NCC personnel)
Qualifications:
• Must be adept in all advanced Microsoft Office products.
• Must be well-versed in all social media outlets.
• Must exhibit exemplary written proficiency
• Must be punctual and reliable
• Must be able to remain courteous during any and all interactions.
• Must understand need for confidentiality.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally.
• A background check, including a criminal records check is required.
Hours per week: Maximum 10 hours per week (Hybrid-5 must be at the church during
the posted office hours. 5 remote hours.)
Hourly Rate of Pay: $ 22.00
PTO: 20 hours/year (subject to approval by pastor, (not to be carried over.)
Paid Bereavement Leave: 10 hours paid upon the death of a family member.
Reach Out to Rev.kime.2024@gmail.com
Additional Information
North Congregational UCC is an Open and Affirming (ONA) church and is proud of its status since 2007. ONA plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment within the church, and providing support for the congregations committed to this mission. Our application process is open to everyone. It is important that our new administrative assistant shares this belief.
Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, Part-time, St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church: Acton, MA
Hours: Part-time, 20 hours per week to include Sundays, some weekday evening meetings, and other times mutually agreed upon.
Salary: $22,500 – $25,500 per year, depending on education and experience, plus 3 weeks paid vacation and $2000 for continuing education.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Qualifications: A bachelors or masters degree in Christian Education or Ministry with at least one
year of teaching experience is preferred, but will consider recent graduates or those with at least 3 years of equivalent training and experience in a church setting.
In addition, the candidate should:
Have a passion for working with children, youth, and families in a faith community
Be self-starter and initiator with excellent follow-through
Be a skilled leader who is able to manage, train, and guide the Sunday School teachers and volunteers
Be team player, willing to work in partnership with the pastor, lay leaders, and/or others as needed
Be organized, creative and resourceful with a positive outlook and visionary mindset
Be familiar with and appreciative of the theological traditions of the UMC
Be in full support of St. Matthew's stance as a reconciling congregation
Be flexible and able to adapt to the changing needs of the congregation
Primary responsibility: To support and guide the children of Saint Matthew’s UMC in their faith journey by partnering with parents, staff, and volunteers to plan discipleship growth opportunities that will build relationships with one another and with God.
Other responsibilities may include:
Recruit and train teachers and volunteers
Working with the children’s and youths’ ministry teams to develop a vision and set goals for CYF Ministries
Choosing an engaging and creative Sunday School curriculum
Prepare and deliver a short children’s message each Sunday during worship
Coordinating the inclusion of children/youth during worship services
Creating planning and coordinating special events or activities that foster relationships between our younger and older generations, as well as with the congregation as a whole
Creating, planning, and coordinating seasonal events for the children, youth, and families of
SMUMC, occasionally inviting those of the wider community
Assisting and empowering families and/or individuals impacted by disabilities or challenges of any kind so that they not only feel included and valued, but can also fully participate in the life of the church
Developing and implementing a strategy to advertise, communicate, and bring awareness to the CYF programs to the St. Matthew’s congregation and the wider community
Celebrating “life milestones,” such as graduations, confirmations, etc., with students, parents, the congregation, and the wider community
Maintain a relationship with local UMC churches and participate in District and Conference events when applicable.
Ensuring all children and youth facilities and spaces are maintained in a neat and orderly fashion and that we are following St. Matthew’s Safe Sanctuary procedures for all children/youth programs
Overseeing the Nursery Supervisor to ensure that our nursery provides a safe and welcoming place for our youngest members and ensuring that the nursery is appropriately staffed during worship and other church events as needed
Preparing the annual budget request for Children and Youth Ministries and supervising expenditures
Preparing and presenting a brief report on these ministries for the annual church report for
Charge Conference
Participating in continuing education programs related to Christian education and children/youth ministries (continuing education funds are available)
TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation to office@saint-matthews.org with the subject line Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. One letter of recommendation should be from a former supervisor.
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Saint Matthew’s United Methodist Church is a reconciling congregation that welcomes and supports all people in their faith journey, regardless of age, physical condition, race, gender, sexual orientation, or class. To learn more about St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, please
visit our website at www.saint-matthews.org.
A 3/4 Time Pastor, Part Time, Flagg Road UCC: Boston, MA
We are searching for a 3/4 time pastor at our church and welcome all applicants to apply through SNEUCC website at https://oppsearch.ucc.org/web/fastsearch.aspx
Please contact us directly if you wish to see our church profile.
Alternative, you can reach out to Elizabeth Zagata on flaggroadsearch@gmail.com
Prof. Steven Sandage featured in BU Brink article on Social Media and Mental Health
The following is an excerpt from a BU Brink article “Is a News and Social Media Overload Negatively Affecting Your Mental Health?” by Rich Barlow, featuring Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology Steven Sandage, published October 17, 2025.
In a year of violence and suffering, here and around the world, harrowing reports and images have flooded news channels and social media feeds, affecting even those who haven’t personally witnessed the horrors. That has two Boston University researchers bracing for a surge in “vicarious trauma”: distress from secondhand exposure to gruesome events through news, our screens, or from counseling traumatized people.
Steven Sandage directs research at BU’s Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute and is the Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology at the School of Theology. Laura Captari is a researcher and staff psychologist at the Danielsen Institute. They have studied vicarious trauma in religious leaders and therapists and developed CHRYSALIS, a free online program for caregivers to fortify their own resilience as they counsel traumatized congregants and patients. More than 400 people have gone through the program. The Danielsen Institute treats people with mental health problems and trains clinical psychologists and social workers.
The Brink asked Captari and Sandage about their research and what we can do to protect against these potentially traumatizing times.
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