Alumni News
Reverend Dr. Yongshik Kim (STH ’61)
We are saddened to announce the passing of Reverend Dr. Yongshik Kim, STH ’61 . Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Director of Young Adult & University Student Ministry, Part-Time, UMC: Cambridge, MA
Job Description: Director of Young Adult & University Student Ministry
Hours/week: 13
- Sick days/vacation time negotiable
Worship Leadership:
- Attend weekly worship services to engage with students and young adults, also to greet any visiting students or young adults
- Occasionally lead one aspect of a worship service or a worship service in full
Programming:
- Organize and facilitate a weekly small group on spiritual formation such as Life Groups for students and young adults
- Organize monthly fellowship events such as Brunch Bunch, Game Night, or potluck dinners for students and young adults
- Organize and facilitate monthly or seasonal small groups such as book clubs, bible studies, or social justice informative studies for students and/or young adults
- Organize and facilitate a seasonal event such as a mission project or a retreat for students and young adults
- Occasionally facilitate Adult Forum discussions or other programs for the Harvard-Epworth community
- Offer times for one-on-one pastoral care or support conversations with students and young adults when needed
Administration:
- Regularly organize, schedule, and advertise for student and young adult events through monthly newsletters, email updates, and word of mouth
- Attend and faithfully participate in staff meetings, church council meetings, or other organizational events
- Reach out to local universities to invite undergraduate and graduate students to worship, participate in small groups, or other programs
Qualifications:
- College graduate, preferably with knowledge of church leadership or theological studies
- Prior related experience preferred
- Able to communicate effectively and work with a team
- Strategic and forward-thinking to set and accomplish goals.
- Proficient with computers (databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, file sharing) and online platforms (Zoom, Doodle, Canva, Facebook, etc.)
We seek a dynamic, energetic and creative candidate to lead a well-established program with university students and young adults at Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church. Located in Harvard Square, HEUMC is a progressive and inclusive congregation known for our well-established ministry to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to young professionals living in the area.
HEUMC's ministry to university students and young adults provides opportunities for interpersonal connection, spiritual growth, and participation in Harvard-Epworth's focus on social justice and outreach to needs in the larger community.
We desire a person deeply rooted in faith and possessing excellent communication and organization skills, a spirit of joyful engagement and a commitment to being a part of a team dedicated to growing in faith, building the beloved community and, occasionally, getting in "good trouble."
www.harvardepworthchurch.org
Contract Minister, Part-Time, UU: Falmouth, MA
The Unitarian Universalist congregation in Falmouth MA (https://uuffm.org/) is seeking a half-time contract minister, with plans to have a settled, full-time minister starting in 2027. Details on the position and congregation are posted on our website here: https://uuffm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Search-Team_4-13-24.pdf The salary & housing are estimated to be at the midpoint of the UUA’s recommended range ($46,750), with UUA recommended benefits.
Prof. Wesley Wildman Featured in BU Today for AI Task Force
The following is an excerpt from BU Today’s article “AI Task Force Report Recommends Critical Embrace of Technology and Cautious Use of AI-Detector Apps” by Doug Most, featuring Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics Wesley Wildman, published on April 11, 2024.
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The headlines have been blaring, with new ones coming every day: “AI Will Shake Up Higher Ed: Are Colleges Ready?” and “From admissions to teaching to grading, AI is infiltrating higher education.” And this one, “Alarmed by A.I. Chatbots, Universities Start Revamping How They Teach.”
Love it, like it, or loathe it, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. Responding to that reality, BU formed the Boston University AI Task Force in fall 2023 to examine the impact of generative AI tools “on education and research, and review existing policies adopted by BU schools, colleges, and other academic institutions.” It’s an exercise colleges across the country have undertaken as they seek to put in place guidelines and policies for a technology that is still new and still taking shape. Inside Higher Ed recently reported that of “universities making AI policies, nearly half of institutions (43 percent) are working with a third party to develop AI strategy, while 30 percent are working with peer institutions or networks and 22 percent are working with professional associations.”
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ECCO Racial Justice Organizer in Latinx and Immigrant Communities, Full-Time: Lynn, MA
ECCO Racial Justice Organizer in Latinx and Immigrant Communities
Job Description
We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
ECCO is looking for inspired people who want to participate in a prophetic undertaking – the creation of a just world right here, right now. We believe in taking responsibility for creating a world guided by our faith, our shared sense of values, and our common vision. We are the ones that we have been waiting for. It’s time to act. Will you join us?
About ECCO
ECCO is a multifaith network of 59 congregations and the North Shore Labor Council that works to create a world where everyone belongs, where we all can thrive, and where we all have a say in the decisions that shape our lives. Building relationships across race and class, we exercise solidarity and power to organize for justice - right now fighting for housing justice, police reform, and immigrant rights. ECCO is a member of Massachusetts Communities Action Network and Faith in Action National Network, the largest faith-based organizing network in the U.S. Learn more at www.eccoaction.org.
ECCO’s work environment strives to reflect the loving and just world we are trying to build. We support our staff not only to learn and grow, but also to take time for restoration and self-care.
Full-Time Racial Justice Organizer
ECCO seeks a dynamic, faith/values-driven organizer to help us build our powerful faith-led social justice efforts and lead our racial justice organizing work in Latinx and immigrant communities.
Responsibilities
Organize congregations on the North Shore especially in Lynn, focusing on Latinx immigrant churches, and/or other congregations and communities of color. This includes recruiting, coaching, and training individuals and congregational teams of ECCO leaders, and working with clergy to recruit more Latinx and other immigrant congregations and leaders to join ECCO. To do this, we ask organizers to hold at least 15 conversations a week with leaders and clergy to develop leaders and move forward our work.
Weave systems of accompaniment support for community members in crisis: Invite, encourage and support community leaders throughout ECCO to leverage their networks and resources in support of poor or undocumented community members in crisis. This assistance often includes financial resources, support finding housing, and accompaniment to immigration appointments, or housing.
Support ECCO’s justice efforts through campaign strategy, capacity-building, and development of prophetic narrative.
Participate in ECCO’s fundraising efforts, staff development and administrative activities as required.
Participate in campaigns and trainings with MCAN, our statewide network, and Faith in Action, our national network.
Preferred Skills and Traits
3-5 years professional experience in community organizing and/or community-building
Experience in Latinx immigrant communities required. Experience with other immigrant communities is a plus
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required. Ability to communicate in Portuguese, Haitian Creole, or Khamer a plus
Strong relational skills; ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds
Ability to identify, train and develop potential leaders
Ability to work with people in crisis and engage them in community building
Commitment to grassroots leadership and bottom-up organizing
Strong oral and written communications skills
Responsible, able to work independently as well as part of a strong staff team
Strong political, cultural and racial justice analysis
Capacity to think strategically
Solid understanding of one's own journey around faith/religion/values
Position entails considerable evening and occasional weekend work. A car is highly-encouraged.
Salary is $50,000-60,000 per year based on experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, plus an exceptional 15 weeks paid time off for all employees’ personal rest and restoration: one week per month, plus one month off in the summer, totaling 15 weeks of paid time off per year.
To Apply: Email a resume and cover letter to Rev. Bernadette Hickman-Maynard at revbernadette@eccoaction.org. You are welcome to submit a writing sample, like an article, sermon, or training outline.
Additional Information: www.eccoaction.org
Professor of Church History and Reformation Studies Carter Lindberg, 1937 – 2024
The Boston University School of Theology announces the passing in April 2024 of former professor Carter Lindberg, who served the School for 28 years as Professor of Church History and Reformation Studies. Professor Lindberg long pursued his passions for teaching and research at Susquehanna University and the College of the Holy Cross before coming to Boston University in 1974. He was a father, grandfather, spouse, talented craftsman and outdoorsman, and an excellent listener.
"A fine human being and friend, Carter Lindberg will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
“Carter Lindberg was a superb scholar whose work undergirded sixteenth century studies, the history of church care of the poor, and interpretation of the Protestant Reformations,” says William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor and Lindberg's former colleague, Dana Robert. “For many years, he taught the one-semester church history course that introduced theology students to the range of Christian history. He was also a wonderful colleague. His wry wit enlivened many an area meeting. He was meticulous about keeping an open door during his office hours, except when deep snow made it impossible for him to navigate the roads in his red sportscar. A devout Lutheran, he enjoyed thumbing his nose at Methodist colleagues by, in the best European tradition, smoking a pipe. Professor Lindberg’s former students are some of the leading scholars of sixteenth century studies in major academic institutions. A fine human being and friend, Carter Lindberg will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Professor of the History of Christianity Rady Roldán-Figueroa (‘05) was a student of Dr. Lindberg, and shares that “Carter was a friend, a mentor, and teacher. He believed in me as a scholar and also understood that there was a horizon ahead of me that I could not see, but he knew it was there for me. I will always be grateful for the many conversations we had and for his unconditional support.”
A joint memorial service with his late wife is being planned by his family for the middle of June 2024; details can be found in Dr. Lindberg’s obituary.
Rady Roldán-Figueroa promoted to full Professor
The Boston University School of Theology is pleased to announce the promotion of Rady Roldán-Figueroa to full professor of History of Christianity as of spring 2024. In a letter to the Boston University community on April 19, 2024, Interim University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Kenneth Lutchen congratulated the 22 promoted faculty across the Charles River Campus and said they “...exemplify each day the depth and excellence of Boston University’s talented academic community. We are proud to count them as members of our faculty and excited to see them reach this significant milestone here at BU.”
Dean G. Sujin Pak congratulated Professor Roldán-Figueroa directly in an email to the BUSTH community in mid-April by saying “I am immensely grateful for your superb scholarship, teaching, and leadership on behalf of the School, the academy, and the church. May profound affirmation seep into your very soul and bones, as we all celebrate your presence, your gifts, and this confirmation of your academic, pedagogical, and service contributions.”
BUSTH Announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for April 2024
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications and scholarly presentations for April 2024:
- Eunil David Cho (panel)
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Panelist, "Classroom as Community," BU Faculty Forum: InnovateEDU: Exploring the Future of Learning at BU, April 9, 2024.
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Salt City Prayers. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2024.
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Partnership in the gospel: Seven exercises in liberal biblical theology. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
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An Exercise in Liberal Biblical Theology (Keynote Address). Journal of the Council for Research on Religion, 4(2), 81–94. https://doi.org/10.26443/jcreor.v4i2.92
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- James McCarty
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Desmond Tutu's Spirituality of Protest. Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality 24(1), 120-137. https://doi.org/10.1353/scs.2024.a924576
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- Luis Menéndez-Antuña (lecture)
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Why do Biblical Interpreters Hate Sex so Much? 17th Annual Boswell Lecture. Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion. Berkeley, CA
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- Dana Robert
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Introduction for John T. McGreevy, Catholicism: A Global History from the French Revolution to Pope Francis (2022). Church History. 2023;92(4):911-912. doi:10.1017/S0009640723002822.
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- Steven Sandage, et al
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Brown, E.M., Chin, E.G., Wang, D.C., Lewis, B., Fort, C., Captari, L.E., Crabtree, S.A., & Sandage, S.J. (2024). Adverse childhood experiences, religious coping, and congregational support among Black clergy and religious leaders. Religions 15: 396. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15040396
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Captari, L. E., Choe, J. Y., Crabtree, S. A., Sandage, S. J., Gerstenblith, J., Stein, L., Hydinger, K. R., & Stavros, G. (2024). Evaluating a novel group intervention to support helping professionals in metabolizing suffering and engaging strengths: The CHRYSALIS program. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, DOI: 10.1080/00207284.2024.2329565.
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- Claire Wolfteich (presentations)
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“Uncalled for Callings: Mothering, Mysticism, and Transgressive Public Vocations in Margery Kempe and Jarena Lee,” refereed paper, Mystical Theology Network International Conference Oxford, United Kingdom, March 20, 2024.
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“Listening as Spiritual Practice: Time, Sabbath, and Attention,” invited presentation, international conference, Listening Practices in Global Catholicism, Angelicum University, Rome, Italy, March 26, 2024, co-sponsored by the Centre for Catholic Studies, University of Durham, UK.
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Pastor, Full-Time/Part-Time, Progressive Ecumenical/Interdenominational: Tacoma, WA
Pastor
The Pastor will be a spiritual leader and communicator of the Urban Grace mission and values to staff, congregation, and community at large. He/She/They (They) will nurture and foster spiritual formation, administer the sacraments, and provide pastoral care and counseling as well as coordinate Sunday morning worship services.
E S S E N T I A L J O B F U N C T I O N S
Worship & Preaching
Coordinate Sunday morning worship services with the staff; executing the vision,
content, and direction for worship at Urban Grace.
Provide leadership during worship services, including preaching and administering the sacraments.
Facilitate creative worship expressions and ideas.
Pastoral Care, Spiritual Development and Mentoring
Reengage congregational life as we emerge from transition
Create a spirit of awareness and awakening for theological development within the
congregation.
Cultivate an environment of belonging and connection
Coordinate the engagement of children, youth, and teens with the Associate Pastor of Children’s and Youth Ministry to foster diverse connections within our multi-generational faith community.
Provide pastoral care and counseling to individuals and the congregation.
Provide premarital counseling, perform weddings and funerals for both the congregation and the larger community, as requested
Other Responsibilities or Duties
Participate in setting the agenda and moderating the Church Leadership Council and Board of Trustees meetings.
Share leadership and facilitation of congregational meetings and leadership retreats.
Participate in setting the agenda and leading staff meetings.
Co-supervise primary church staff.
Community Outreach and Partnerships
Continue to strengthen strategic relationships, partnerships, and connections with other community organizations, churches, and individuals that serve the Urban Grace mission and ministry.
Open until filled. We will consider a part-time position, with salary pro rated from listed full time salary. See website for all information on the church, the position, and how to apply.
Link in additional Information: https://www.urbangrace.org/core/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Church-Profile-and-Pastor-Job-Description.pdf
Director of Next Generation Ministries, Part-Time, UMC: Cambridge, MN
Director of Next Generation Ministries
Common Ground: A United Methodist Community, Cambridge, MN
32 hours per week, $33,000 annually
About Us:
Common Ground: A United Methodist Community is a welcoming and progressive church located in the heart of Cambridge, MN. We are a Christ centered community living out profound inclusivity, authentic questions, and compassionate justice. Our community values diversity and aims to create a safe space where everyone is accepted and celebrated. As we continue our mission, we are seeking a relational, passionate, and dedicated individual to serve as our Director of Next Generation Ministries, focusing on the spiritual development of youth and young adults in our community.
Position Summary:
The Director of Next Generation Ministries at Common Ground is a pivotal role responsible for guiding and nurturing the youth and young adults in our community. This position involves developing and implementing programs that encourage spiritual exploration, personal growth, and social engagement among youth and young adults in our congregation and community. We are seeking a candidate who shares our progressive Christian values, possesses a genuine passion for working with young people, and can create inclusive and innovative programs.
Responsibilities:
Develop relationships with youth and young adults in our community
Develop and implement a comprehensive and engaging ministry program for youth and young adults, integrating spiritual, educational, social activities, and service opportunities.
Cultivate a safe and supportive environment where young people can explore their faith, ask questions, and build a strong sense of community.
Lead regular studies, discussion groups, retreats, special events, service projects, and outreach activities tailored to the unique needs and interests of youth and young adults.
Provide pastoral care and mentorship to youth and young adults, offering guidance and support as they navigate life challenges and spiritual questions.
Provide welcoming, inviting, and safe space for youth and young adults in our community who identify as LGBTQIA+
Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to assist with youth and young adult ministry activities.
Stay informed about current trends, issues, and challenges faced by youth and young adults, adapting ministry programs accordingly to address these concerns.
Build relationships with parents and families.
Establish a presence with local schools, colleges, and community organizations to expand the reach and impact of our ministry programs.
Actively participate in church leadership meetings, sharing insights and recommendations related to the needs of the youth and young adult community.
Develop Common Ground as a hub for youth and young adult ministry in our region.
Collaborate with other CG ministry staff - cross ministry
Qualifications:
Highly relational individual with energy and enthusiasm for this work.
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Strong understanding of progressive Christian theology and a commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
Proven experience working with youth and young adults in a ministry or educational setting. Enjoys spending time with youth and young adults.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a passion for empowering others and fostering a sense of belonging.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and individuals, both within the church community and in external partnerships.
Creative and innovative mindset, with the ability to develop engaging and relevant ministry programs.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring the smooth planning and execution of events and activities.
Flexibility and adaptability to respond to the evolving needs of the youth and young adult community.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying informed about best practices in youth and young adult ministry.
Able to work a flexible schedule and approach the job with stamina and energy.
Able to work and connect with diverse personality types.
Inclusive of everyone regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs, particularly those who are not welcomed or included elsewhere.
Additional Information: commongroundumc.org