Alumni News
Rev. Dr. Brandon Thomas Crowley (’12,’19) is new Director of Theological Education at Episcopal Divinity School
The following is an excerpt of an article from ENS, “The Rev. Dr. Brandon Thomas Crowley joins Episcopal Divinity School as Director of Theological Education,” published on August 4, 2025. Click here to read the full article.
Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) is pleased to announce that the Reverend Doctor Brandon Thomas Crowley will join EDS as Director of Theological Education and Senior Research Fellow in Religion, Homiletics, and Ecclesiology – a new position. Dr. Crowley is an African American pastor, author, and scholar in religion, theology, and queer theory. He brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of academic theology and faith-filled, grassroots activism for justice. His leadership marks a significant step in EDS’s ongoing work to provide accessible, justice-focused theological education for the next generation of faith leaders.
The Rev. Dr. Crowley has lived in the intersection of church and academy through his ministry as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Myrtle Baptist Church in Newton, Massachusetts, one of the nation’s oldest Black congregations, and as a Lecturer in Ministry Studies at Harvard Divinity School, one of his alma maters.
This commitment to both theory and practice is a core theme in Dr. Crowley’s work, including his book, Queering Black Churches: Dismantling Heteronormativity in African American Congregations. The book provides a systematic approach for challenging long-standing assumptions within Black churches, advocating for a “Black ecclesial Queering” methodology that centers on the lived experiences of Black Queer people.
Religious Exploration Youth Leader, Part Time, First Parish of Norwell, UU: Norwell, MA
Position: Religious Exploration Youth Leader (10-15 hours/week – September-June)
We seek a Religious Exploration Youth Leader (RE Youth Leader) that shares in our mission and wants to support the Religious Exploration program at First Parish of Norwell. The primary responsibility will be to work with the Director of Community Engagement and the other RE Youth Leader to deliver programming for the young people and youth of the church.
This is a part-time position with in-person responsibilities on Sundays 9am–12pm weekly and 4pm-7pm twice per month for Youth Group (September through June). There are also approximately 1-2 hours of preparation required each week which can be done at home.
Supervision: This position is supervised by the Director of Community Engagement
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent level of knowledge and experience in religion, education, or related field;
Successful experience teaching young people ages 6-16;
Self-starter and ability to work collaboratively with a team;
Successful completion of CORI and SORI background checks;
Effective written and oral communication skills, including public speaking; and
Appreciation for liberal religious values, preferably knowledge of Unitarian Universalist traditions.
Responsibilities:
Work with the Director of Community Engagement to lead Sunday morning religious exploration classes for young people, including serving as lead instructor for one class;
Serve as Youth Group advisor, helping to plan and execute Youth Group gatherings at least two times per month;
Develop and present a story for the Time for All Ages during Sunday morning services once a month or at the discretion of the Director of Community Engagement.
Work with the Director of Community Engagement to oversee/teach Our Whole Lives (comprehensive sex education classes) for youth (training for Our Whole Lives would be paid by the church);
Compensation:
$ 30/ hour; for 3 hours each Sunday morning, 3 hours Sunday evening twice a month, and 2 hours of preparation each week. Funding and time for professional development and collegial support with other UU personnel is available.
Candidates may submit a cover letter, resume and references no later than August 15 to:
Rev. Susan Chorley
minister@firstparishnorwell.org
Please include “RE Youth Leader” in the subject heading of your email. Our preference is to have someone in the role beginning September 1st.
Senior Pastor, Part Time, Olney Street Baptist Church: Boston, MA
Olney Street Baptist Church
Part-time Senior Pastor (bi-vocational) for a congregation of 100 members
This position may lead to full-time with increased membership and financial growth.
Qualifications/Responsibilities:
• Must be a person who is called by God, possesses a zeal for the Lord Jesus Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel, as well as be committed to living and serving in a manner consistent with the standards set forth in the Bible.
• Be an ordained American Baptist or another duly aligned Convention Minister who holds at least a Masters of Divinity Degree.
• Have at least 4-6 years of pastoral experience.
• Meet the standard requirements for ministry as set forth by the American Baptist Churches USA and the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island.
• Must pass a Background Criminal Investigation (BCI).
• Pastor is expected to lead the church to reach beyond its own constituency, in obedience to the commands of the Lord.
• Pastor is expected to preach, lead, and plan worship services in order to support staff as well as lay leaders.
• Pastor is expected to teach Bible study.
• Shall provide administrative duties and supervision over the total program of the church: shall be a member ex-officio of all ministries, committees, and auxiliary organizations of the church.
• Must be available as a counselor to all members of Olney Street Baptist Church.
Salary range: $27,000-$32,000 annually
To apply please submit your current resume to: osbc2005@verizon.net and Lynnsb77@yahoo.com
Contact Information:
o Phone Number: 401-272-1024
o Email Address: osbc2005@verizon.net
o Website: www.olneystreet.com
Tutor Chaplain (P/T), Part Time, EVkids: Boston, MA
Tutor Chaplain (P/T)
EVkids empowers underserved Boston youth with the skills and confidence needed to realize their potential. We create a community of support through 1-on-1 multi-year academic mentoring relationships, professional family engagement and school advocacy, college success advising, and a summer camp at our 9-acre site in Vermont. As an organization with roots in the Catholic commitment to social justice, EVkids supports underresourced students grades 3 to 12 aspire to and achieve college enrollment and graduation as first-generation college attendees. EVkids volunteer tutors commit themselves to the values of service, community, and reflection, and as such, graduate to become lifelong agents of positive social change.
Tutor volunteers come through local university partnerships, including at Boston College, Harvard, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Northeastern, Tufts, and UMassBoston, among others. Tutoring pairs meet weekly at five EVkids after-school Tutoring sites, three in Dorchester, one in Roxbury, and one virtual site. EVkids supports 125 tutor-student matches, and has plans to expand to 150 pairs in School Year 25-26. Up to 30 EVkids high school graduates are accompanied by College Success mentors through college, and EVkids Camp hosts up to 36 campers each summer .
Position
This is a part-time (20 hours per week), 9-month school-year (September-May) position for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
As part of the Tutor Engagement team responsible for tutor recruitment, training, formation, and support, the Tutor Chaplain works closely with the Associate Director for Tutor Engagement and a full-time Tutor Chaplain. Primary tasks for the Tutor Chaplain include supporting student tutor coordinators, coordinating Tutor/Student pair events (Mentoring Days, special outings), and tutor community events. The Tutor Chaplain also periodically attends Tutoring sessions to engage volunteers on site, conducts individual check-ins each semester with around 45 tutors (virtually or in-person), and supports tutor coordinators (student leaders) in directing 1-hour, small group “reflections” on themes of spiritual development and social justice for their peers.
Special projects include: implementing an annual winter Tutor Retreat, collaborating on a yearly Social Justice In-Service training, as well as periodically participating in Saturday training, mentoring, and community events. The Tutor Chaplain reports to the Associate Director for Tutor Engagement through weekly supervision meetings, and attends Tutor Engagement, Program Staff, and Peer Supervision weekly meetings, as well as monthly All Staff meetings. Meetings are a mix of in-person and virtual.
Tasks
●Cultivate student leadership via monthly meetings with Tutor Coordinators that include event planning, leadership development, and reflective/spiritual activities; create regular avenues for individual and group reflection space at various campuses, and to hear how tutoring is going -all in collaboration with the Tutor Engagement Team.
● Design and implement a curriculum to assist the Associate Director for Tutor Engagement in developing campus partnerships with service and faith-based student and university entities
● Interview, match, and help train EVkids tutors
● Attend tutoring 2 to 3 times per month to engage volunteers on site or virtually
● Plan and implement bi-annual on-campus Mentoring Days, while collaborating closely with the Tutor Engagement Team and student coordinators
● Implement periodic relationship-building pair outings throughout the year
● Mentor tutors on effective and healthy closure practices with their student
● Participate in regular program evaluation and reporting
● Update Tutor records and information on a Salesforce database
Professional Qualifications
● Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience, in education, theology, ministry, social work, or related field required; some Masters level work, or equivalent experience, preferred
● 3+ years experience in education, mentoring/tutoring, or campus ministry
● Experience in leading small group reflection
● Professional experience working with diverse populations including low-income, ethnically-diverse, BIPOC communities, school-age children, university students, parents, educators, campus ministers, and staff
● Comfort and flexibility navigating multiple work sites and professional demands
● Experience in project and event management
● Excellent written and computer skills, including using Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, & Forms) and Salesforce
Personal Qualifications
● Understanding of faith-based social justice work, openness to those of no-faith and a values driven commitment, and passionate about the mission of EVkids
● Personal connections to, and familiarity with, the Dorchester and/or Roxbury neighborhoods preferred
● Ability to work collaboratively with an energized, committed, and diverse team
● Persuasive and passionate communication skills, and strong interpersonal social skills
● Cultural sensitivity & humility; openness to explore organizational racial equity efforts
● Detail-oriented and able to be creative and self-supervising in maintaining your own schedule that will vary week to week
● Commitment to self-reflection and creating equity in tasks and projects
● Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance required
Part-Time Salary/Benefits
$26-27/hour, depending on experience; $900 in home office and travel expense reimbursements; plus 17 paid holidays per school year (13 fixed, 4 floating), and 5 paid sick days.
Rooted in the Catholic tradition of social justice, EVkids is made stronger through the diversity of its team working towards a more equitable, compassionate, and socially just world . We actively
encourage applications from people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, national origins, political beliefs, veteran status, family status, and any (or no) faith. EVkids has a zero-tolerance policy for child maltreatment.
Research shows that women and People of Color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not
meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. If this applies to you, we encourage you to
apply and make use of the cover letter to describe what draws you to this position.
We use the term “chaplain” as someone who can hold non-judgemental, meaning-making space, as
described by J.S. Park in this video and article . If you are interested in this role and have questions
about your relationship to the title, we encourage you to apply and discuss it further-
Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to scottpyzik@evkids.org .
Prof. Andrew Shenton publishes article in The Guardian on composer Arvo Pärt
The following is an excerpt from the article “The god of small things—celebrating Arvo Pärt at 90” by Professor of Music Andrew Shenton, published on July 24, 2025 by The Guardian.
In many ways Arvo Pärt and John Williams’s music couldn’t be further apart. One celebrates simplicity, purity, and draws much of its inspiration from sacred texts; the other captures strong emotions in sweeping orchestral scores. And yet the two men are today’s most performed contemporary composers. Bachtrack’s annual survey of classical music performed across the world placed Pärt second (John Williams is in the top spot) in 2023 and 2024. In 2022, Pärt was first, Williams second. This year, Pärt might return to No 1 as concert halls and festivals worldwide celebrate his 90th birthday, on 11 September.
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Full-Time Senior Minister, Second Congregational Church: Warren, Maine
Job Description
Second Congregational Church of Warren Maine is actively seeking a full-time Senior Minister to join our vibrant and welcoming community. With nearly 200 years of rich history, we celebrate traditional Sunday services enriched by the harmonious sounds of our Tracker organ, alongside our dedicated chancel choir and handbell choir. While we value our enduring traditions, we are also receptive to innovative ideas that can promote our growth and enhance our shared faith journey.
Additional Information
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Advance the Kingdom of God.
Promote Christian Fellowship.
Guide people to the service of Christ.
Foster growth and enrich faith.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Ordained minister.
Master of Divinity degree or equivalent.
2-5 years pastoral experience preferred.
Strong faith and spirituality.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a large congregation and staff team.
Excellent preaching and teaching skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Compassionate and empathetic.
Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested candidates must submit a full resume detailing past experiences and places of employment as a Senior Minister. A full background check will also be required. Please send your application to office.sccw@tds.net.
Reverend John R. Squire (’59)
The following obituary was originally Published in Des Moines Register and can be found here.
John R. Squire, 94, thought deeply and moved through this world with quiet humor, kindness, and patience. He passed away peacefully on 7/11/2025 at Harmony Gardens Senior Living, Maplewood, Minnesota, where he resided near his children since January 2024.
Born in Grinnell, Iowa to Edward Gray and Fern (White) Squire on 1/15/1931, John grew up in Shenandoah as the youngest of four brothers. As a youth, he helped at the family business, Squire Ice Cream Co., and became the youngest licensed pilot at Shenandoah airport. He graduated from Iowa State University, where he met his wife-to-be Martha Jane Dloughy. They married 12/27/1955 in Waterloo after he returned from 3 years as a teaching missionary in Japan. He attended Boston University School of Theology and was an ordained elder in the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church.
John served as a pastor in Waterloo, Mason City, Sioux City, and Des Moines. During his working years, he was also an admissions counselor at Morningside College and a counselor and child protection worker for the State of Iowa.
He loved deep conversation, classical music, bicycling, being outdoors, and traveling with family and friends. He and Martha delighted in hosting gatherings large and small. John’s meticulous craftsmanship showed in his multiple home improvement projects.
Preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his brothers Edward Gray Jr. (Gray), George Varnum, and Wilbur Stewart (Bill) Squire. Survived by his children Debra Jane Squire Dietzman (Gordon) and Mark David Squire. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Waterloo.
Celebration of John's life: Monday, July 28 at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 W County Rd. C2, Roseville, MN. Gathering social, 3-4:30, Service, 4:30-5.
Memorials may be directed to the Des Moines Symphony, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Boston University School of Theology, or the ministry of your choice.
Shoreview Chapel 651-482-7606
Colgate Rochester Crozer Appoints BU STH Alumnus J. J. Warren (’22)as Assistant Professor of (Queer) Theology
The following is an excerpt of an article from Colgate Rochester Crozer written by David Riddell, “Colgate Rochester Crozer Announces Appointment of Rev. J.J. Warren as Assistant Professor of (Queer) Theology,” published on July 14, 2025. Click here to read the full article.
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) is pleased to announce the appointment of The Reverend Jeffrey Joseph (J.J.) Warren IV (he/him) as Assistant Professor of (Queer) Theology and Lead of the Gender, Sexual, and Racial Justice (GSRJ) Program, effective July 16, 2025.
This appointment was made by President Dr. Angela D. Sims and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Emilio Alvarez, who affirmed Rev. Warren’s bold commitment to justice, theological imagination, and scholarly excellence as powerfully aligned with the mission and vision of Colgate Rochester Crozer
Rev. Warren currently serves as Executive Director of the Young Prophets Collective, a nonprofit that equips and empowers LGBTQIA+ religious leaders and allies worldwide. He also lectures at the University of Vienna and has contributed as faculty affiliate to Colgate Rochester Crozer’s pioneering Doctor of Ministry in Queer and Trans Studies, which launched in Fall 2024.
Ms. Barbara P. Norton (’97)
The following obituary was originally posted by AWRich Funeral Home and can be found here.
Obituary
BURLINGTON, VT – Barbara Norton, 84, died peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of July 1, 2025, at Birchwood Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare.
Barbara Jean Perry Norton was born on October 5, 1940, to Francis and Melba (Chandler) Perry. She grew up in Fairfax, VT and graduated from Bellows Free Academy – Fairfax in 1958. She completed a secretarial program at Champlain College the following year. Barbara married Arthur Norton on November 16, 1963, and after a short time living in Burlington, they raised three sons in Fairfax. When she wasn’t working or being a parent, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, and reading.
Barbara worked several jobs during her life including The Burlington Free Press, Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, IBM in Essex Jct., and as the assistant town clerk in Fairfax. She was also a member of Order of Eastern Stars in Fairfax as well as being one of the early volunteers for Fairfax Rescue.
In the 1980’s, Barbara felt the desire to become a minister but had only completed one year of college. After completing the requirements to become a Certified Lay Pastor, she led congregations in North Hyde Park and Eden Mills, VT. She took courses at CCV and transferred to Johnson State College where she graduated in 1994. She enrolled in Boston University’s School of Theology and earned a Master of Divinity in May of 1998. After graduating from BU, she became a minister in Eastport, Maine.
After retiring from the ministry, she and Arthur moved back to Vermont and settled in Chittenden County, eventually residing at Cathedral Square in downtown Burlington. In the years after Arthur’s death in 2012, Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She spent the final seven years of her life in the memory care unit of Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home in Burlington.
Barbara is survived by her sons and daughters in law Jim and Carol of Newburyport, MA, Joel and Pam Norton of Essex Jct., VT, and Jon and Christina Norton of West Springfield, MA. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren Jonathan, Spencer, Jack, Gwen, Nick, Abigail, and Lillian well as several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Rev. James M. Perry.
Barbara’s family would like to thank the staff at Birchwood Terrace for their excellent care for her during the past seven years. Her sons would especially like to thank their aunt and Barbara’s sister-in-law, Kareen Perry of Colchester, for her support of their mother since their father’s death in 2012.
A celebration of Barbara’s life is scheduled for Monday, August 11th at 11am at the First United Methodist Church in Burlington on 21 Buell Street. There will be no visiting hours. Interment will occur at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers. The Norton family requests that a donation be made to the First United Methodist Church in Burlington or the United Church of Fairfax, 8 Fletcher Rd., Fairfax, VT 05454.
Service Details
-
Celebration of Life
WhenMonday, August 11th, 2025 10:00pm
LocationFirst United Methodist ChurchAddress21 Buell StreetBURLINGTON, VT 05401
Assistant Youth Group Leader, Part Time, Winchester Unitarian Society: Winchester, MA
Assistant Youth Group Leader
Reports to: Director of Youth Ministries
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly, .15 FTE)
Job Summary: The Assistant Youth Group Leader (AYGL) assists the Director of Youth & Children’s Ministries (DYCM) in planning and leading the Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group (WUSYG). WUSYG is an active and well-established youth group focused on social justice and service. Serving youth in grades 9-12 from high schools in Winchester, Mass., and surrounding communities, WUSYG membership is about 15-30 youth per year. WUSYG benefits from The Winchester Unitarian Society’s rich tradition of youth ministry that is focused on acceptance, respect, and service to others.
The ideal Assistant Youth Group Leader sees the opportunities inherent in working with high schoolers and brings their own ideas, energy, inspiration, creativity, fun, flexibility and compassion to the role. The AYGL will be working with a multifaceted, smart, articulate group of youth who can (and will) have a serious discussion on social justice in one minute and the latest pop culture trend in the next.
Hours: This position runs from the last week in August through the end of the 2nd week of June, which is 43 weeks, at 5 hours per week, plus up to 100 additional hours for additional events including but not limited to sleepovers, fundraisers, worship services and a week-long service trip during Massachusetts April School Vacation.
Rate: $20/hour
How to Apply: To apply, please email the current DYCM, Sam Wilson, sam.wilson@winchesteruu.org with a resume, attached, and a “cover letter” as the body/text of your email. Applications will be taken on a rolling basis with the intent to be hired ASAP, then begin in earnest in the end August.