Alumni News
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator, Part Time, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Jamaica Plain: Jamaican Plain, MA
| Job Title: Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator Job Description St. John’s Episcopal Church, Jamaica Plain is hiring a part-time Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator to nurture and grow our faith formation offerings for our children and families. We are a small, vibrant, welcoming and inclusive parish. The Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator is a vital part of our staff, working as part of a team of fellow staff members and volunteers under the direct supervision of the rector. St. John’s is a creative congregation and this job is both an excellent place to learn about faith formation and to exercise your creativity in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate has a positive, can-do approach, communicates well both in written and oral forms, is a skilled organizer and planner, and is able both to collaborate with others and to work independently. The Setting St. John’s Church is a eucharistically-based faith community of neighbors and families celebrating different understandings of the Christian faith within the Episcopal Church. As we live out our call to be the body of Christ in the world, we strive to be a beacon of justice-seeking and creativity, and to honor St. Benedict’s teaching: “Let all who enter here be received as Christ.” Located in the vibrant Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, we are part of a diverse, welcoming and exciting neighborhood. Average Sunday worship at St. John’s attendance is 60 people in the program year, 30 in the summer months, with approximately 120 active members of all ages. As a small parish experiencing growth, the Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator will be a part of a team developing and implementing faith formation opportunities to meet the shifting needs of families. It is exciting and challenging, providing the opportunity for personal growth alongside nurturing the growth of others. Job Responsibilities Package Details Qualifications To Apply |
Operations Manager, Part Time, First Baptist Church in Newton: Newton, MA
Operations Manager
First Baptist Church in Newton is a welcoming and affirming congregation affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts. We are located in Newton Centre, approximately one block from the Newton Centre T station and with parking on site.
Our Operations Manager will oversee the management of our large building and assist with the administrative needs of the church, including basic bookkeeping, communications, and support for our ministry teams. A large part of this job includes documentation related to a $4.5 million building project and multiple grants and fundraising efforts.
In this key role, the Operations Manager is responsible for the following:
Building Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact with tenants (a day care center and two non-profits who use the space full time as well as a few other organizations present on a more limited basis)
• Manage the rental process including communication with potential renters, rental contracts, arranging staff coverage for events, and documenting payment
• Coordinate and communicate with the sexton, properties committee, and vendors/companies providing services to the building or property
• Make appointments for regular maintenance and emergency service of equipment as needed
• Create and administer a major maintenance plan in collaboration with the Properties Committee
• Oversee work of the sexton and cleaning company
• Track, file, and submit all documentation related to our Tower Project and related grant management
Church Administration
• Basic bookkeeping including bank deposits, printing checks, bank reconciliations, and monthly budget reports
• Maintain all office supplies and equipment, including ordering cleaning supplies and special items for worship
• Monitor the office budget and debit card balance
• Manage and update database with congregant contact information
• Manage the IT systems including internet, printers, sound systems
• Provide fundraising support
• Support ministry teams with scheduling and event planning
Qualifications
• Extremely organized with a strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Computer skills including MS Office, Quickbooks, database management
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Ability to learn new computer programs easily
• Sound judgment
• At least 3 years’ experience in an office setting
Reports to the Pastor
25-32 hours per week
$25-28 per hour
To apply to this position, please send a resume and cover letter in a single PDF describing your specific qualifications and interest in the position to Rev. Jana Yeaton, minister@fbcnewton.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
| Additional Information | |
| www.fbcnewton.org | |
Associate Minister Position, Full Time, Glencoe Union Church: Glencoe, Illinois
Glencoe Union Church
Associate Minister Position Description and Application
Overview of Position:
Glencoe Union Church, a progressive, mainline Protestant church on the Northshore of Chicago, is seeking a person experienced in ministry who is eager to be a part of a collaborative, dynamic pastoral team. The Associate will work collaboratively with our Senior Minister, Rev. Erin Raska—and with our staff and lay leadership—to provide leadership for the overall ministry of GUC and will have a pivotal role in helping to generate and launch new initiatives. GUC is at an exciting time in its life and ministry as it continues to grow and flourish in its 150th year of ministry. While the Associate will have particular areas of focus, such as Youth, Children and Family Ministry and working with certain committees, she or he will also share in preaching tasks and planning and leading of weekly worship. The Associate will participate in the pastoral care ministry of the congregation and assist in various administrative tasks as well.
The following list enumerates the basic competencies we are hoping to find in our candidate:
Spiritual Competency:
A genuine spiritual life— an experience of faith that exceeds (even as it informs) one’s role as a Pastor
A life shaped by spiritual practices/experience that can be shared with others in a natural and inviting manner
A mentor to congregants, as a fellow pilgrim on the way, not as a high spiritual achiever
Emotional Maturity/Relational Competency:
Ability to work closely with colleagues in cooperative (vs. competitive) mode
Ability to freely give and receive feedback, valuing feedback as essential to the experience of shared ministry
Strong sense of self, possessing an accurate appraisal of one’s skills and competencies and, at the same time, eager to grow, develop, and improve
Ability to negotiate relational intimacy and distance with parishioners
Genuine care for others—ability to communicate that care appropriately across the spectrum of age and life situation
Communicative/Performative competency:
Conveys a relaxed presentation, and understands the importance of being well-prepared, thoughtful, and well-spoken—in preaching and liturgical leadership
Capacity to think on one’s feet and not appear scripted or stilted
A communicative style that puts people at ease
Thrives on collaboration
Strong work ethic -- sets a high standard for oneself in terms of job performance
Ability to generate ideas and take initiative in collaboration with colleagues
Contributes creative energy and ideas to worship planning
Assists with technology in worship and congregational communication
Intellectual Competency:
Curious, inquisitive, reader of books, lover of ideas, an insatiable learner
Facility with Scriptural interpretation and ability to communicate a knowledge and love of Scripture in a way that cultivates in listeners a desire to know and read more
Theologically multilingual, with a strong center of gravity...able to speak confidently of one’s own convictions in a way that does not close off conversation and interaction with others, and instead invites and stimulates engagement
Below we list the basic responsibilities and terms of the job.
Scope of Responsibilities:
Worship Leadership
Collaborate with the Senior Ministry and Director of Worship and Music in the planning and leadership of the Worship Life of the congregation
Preach, at least once a month and perform weddings, funerals, interments, baptisms as needed
Pastoral Leadership
Oversee work with children, youth and their families:
Cultivate a ministry to youth that invites youth to explore and grow their faith while also building a supportive and engaging community
Plan and lead Confirmation
Oversee Children’s Ministries, including supervision of the Director of Children’s Ministry and Sunday School staff
Nurture relationships and build a community with and among parents of youth and children
Contribute to Adult Education offerings in line with interests and capacities
Collaborate in pastoral care and visitation
Work with pastoral team and lay leaders in developing new member initiatives, fellowship gatherings and other strategic initiatives
Perform tasks related to worship communication; set-up technology/equipment to support communications
Outreach Ministry (service and justice work) Leadership, along with the Outreach Committee, engaging GUC members in the work of our nonprofit partners
Administrative and Communications Leadership
Attend Board of Directors meetings. Leverage technology to support communications, particularly the GUC website
Training and Experience:
Completion of a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary
Ordination, or seeking ordination, within a Protestant denomination
A minimum of five years of experience in ministry preferred
Compensation:
We will offer a competitive compensation package, including healthcare and retirement and manse.
Application Process: Please submit the following materials via email to careers@glencoeunionchurch.org
A cover letter in which you respond to the following questions:
Why does this position appeal to you at this point in your ministry?
From the brief outline of the position and competencies we have provided, share two or three questions that have come to mind.
Your resumé—if you have a denominational profile that you would be willing to share with us, please include it with your materials.
BU STH Alumnus Publishes 5 Books
George Walters-Sleyon (STH'04,'06), an alumnus of Boston University School of Theology has published five books including a two volume work entitled: "The Rush for Black Diamonds," and "God in the Name of Jesus Christ." He is also an ordained clergy in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and pastor of St. James AME Church in Danbury/Connecticut.
He teaches five courses at Bunker Hill Community College: Intro. to Criminology, Applied Ethics, Intro. to Philosophy, Principles of Sociology, and World Religions. He did his MDiv.(2004) and STM (2006) at Boston University and PhD at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Rev. Dr. George Walters-Sleyon's background is interdisciplinary. He is also a gospel recording artist of three albums. One of his original songs, "God's Been Good to Me" from his second album was nominated Gospel Single of the Year in 2004.
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator, Part Time, St. John’s Episcopal Church: Jamaica Plain, MA
Job Description
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Jamaica Plain is hiring a part-time Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator to nurture and grow our faith formation offerings for our children and families. We are a small, vibrant, welcoming and inclusive parish. The Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator is a vital part of our staff, working as part of a team of fellow staff members and volunteers under the direct supervision of the rector. St. John’s is a creative congregation and this job is both an excellent place to learn about faith formation and to exercise your creativity in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate has a positive, can-do approach, communicates well both in written and oral forms, is a skilled organizer and planner, and is able both to collaborate with others and to work independently.
The Setting
St. John’s Church is a eucharistically-based faith community of neighbors and families
celebrating different understandings of the Christian faith within the Episcopal Church. As we live out our call to be the body of Christ in the world, we strive to be a beacon
of justice-seeking and creativity, and to honor St. Benedict’s teaching: “Let all who enter here be received as Christ.” Located in the vibrant Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, we are part of a diverse, welcoming and exciting neighborhood. Average Sunday worship at St. John’s attendance is 60 people in the program year, 30 in the summer months, with approximately 120 active members of all ages.
As a small parish experiencing growth, the Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator will be a part of a team developing and implementing faith formation opportunities to meet the shifting needs of families. It is exciting and challenging, providing the opportunity for personal growth alongside nurturing the growth of others.
Job Responsibilities
Plan and participate in leading Sunday School lessons for school age children
Participate in bi-monthly Youth Group meetings outside Sunday morning (time TBD)
Help coordinate and participate in First Friday Parish Family Nights, including promoting and inviting parishioners to the events and the planning and leading of activities
Recruit and equip team of Church School teachers; includes coordinating training of adults to teach.
Meet regularly meetings with Church School teachers and volunteers
Coordinate acquisition and maintenance of Church School curriculum, teaching materials and supplies.
In partnership with the rector, oversee the use of the Church School budget and funds.
Coordinate maintenance of activity boxes and children’s shelves in the narthex.
Communicate regularly with families about lessons, activities, schedules, etc.
Coordinate childcare providers for Sunday mornings and special events
Team with rector to develop and promote vision of intergenerational and lifelong faith formation in the parish.
Support parents and welcome new families to the parish.
Develop a Church School calendar and flyer for the start of the program year.
Be present on Sunday mornings of program year - time off to be negotiated.
Oversee registration and maintenance of church school records.
Manage and organize special events of the Sunday School program year, including.
Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, and End-of-Year Picnic
Use social networking and electronic media to expand and enhance the program,
including Constant Contact, Squarespace, and Google Docs
Communicate regularly with Rector, Staff and Vestry
Package Details
Part-time position.
$20/hour for 10 hours/week. Except for Sunday mornings, hours are flexible.
Two weeks paid vacation.
The position is for mid-September to mid-June, with a start date of September 15. Position may be renewed each September.
No other benefits.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
An Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.
Experience with teaching, classroom management, and/or youth programs.
Excellent interpersonal skills and rapport with children, youth, and families.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and delegate.
Strong communication and networking skills, especially with online and social media.
Working knowledge of computer applications: spreadsheets, documents, email, etc.
Commitment to Christian faith and teaching. If not an Episcopalian, the candidate will be willing to learn and support our tradition.
Candidates with experience teaching the Godly Play children’s formation program and/or the Journey to Adulthood youth ministry program will be given special consideration.
A CORI check and completion of Safe Church training will be required.
To Apply
Send cover letter and resume by September 1, 2025 to:
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator Job Search via email (info@stjohns-jp.org)
or regular mail
St. John’s Episcopal Church
PO Box 300230
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Rev. 07.10.25
Prof. Shelly Rambo quoted in CNN article on religious leadership in wake of Camp Mystic tragedy
The following is an excerpt from CNN article “How religious leaders are talking – and listening – about the losses at Camp Mystic” by Madeline Holcombe, featuring Professor of Theology Shelly Rambo, published on July 11, 2025.
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An important place to start is to assure each other that feelings that come out of tragedy are OK, said Dr. Shelly Rambo, professor of theology at Boston University. What many people need in the aftermath is someone to sit beside them and hear their pain without being afraid of it or trying to tie it up and send it away, Rambo said.
It isn’t always natural for people to know how to stay in those difficult moments and allow others to grieve, she said. It takes intention to learn how to say, “I am so sorry,” and then just sit there and say nothing else, Rambo added. You might hold the person if they want it, but you don’t always have to.
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Christian Education Director, Part Time, Holy Trinity United Methodist Church: Danvers, MA
Holy Trinity United Methodist Church – 16 Sylvan St Danvers, MA
Job Title: Christian Education Director
Reports To: Staff Parish Relations Committee and Administration
Supported By: Pastor, Christian Education Committee and Administration
Position Type: Part-Time
Job Summary:
The Christian Education Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and implementation
of the church’s Sunday School program. This role includes recruiting and training teachers, selecting curriculum,
organizing events, and ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching environment for children and youth.
Key Responsibilities:
● Lead and manage all aspects of the Sunday School ministry.
● Recruit, train, and support Sunday School teachers and volunteers.
● Select Biblically sound curriculum in line with the beliefs of the United Methodist Church
● Coordinate class schedules, room assignments, and age group divisions.
● Oversee attendance tracking and maintain student records.
● Plan and organize special events (e.g., Christmas programs, Easter Programs, Children’s Sunday,
Community Events for Families).
● Communicate regularly with parents, teachers, and church leadership.
● Ensure all volunteers comply with church safety and background check policies.
● Attend staff meetings and report on Christian Education Program progress and needs.
● Create a welcoming, inclusive, and Christ-centered environment for Sunday School youth.
Qualifications:
● Committed Christian with a passion for children’s ministry.
● Prior experience in teaching or leading children’s programs (preferred).
● Strong organizational and leadership skills.
● Good communication, interpersonal abilities and Building Relationships.
● Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and families.
Time Commitment:
● Weekly preparation and Sunday morning hours from 9am - 11am for the church’s education program
season from September - June
● Additional time for meetings, training, and special events as needed.
Additional Information We are looking to hire a Christian Education Director. Please see the attached job description. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested, please fill out the attached application. All applications can be emailed to HTUMChurch@gmail.com.
Administrative/Accounting Assistant, Part Time, Carter Textile Inc: Boston, MA
| Job Description | |
| Position Title: Administrative/Accounting Assistant Pay: $23/hourly Location: Boston, MA Part Time Contact: Dennis Carter Email: dc2432366@gmail.com Application Deadline: 9/10/2025 Seeking Administrative / Accounting Assistant. Successful candidates will exude great pride in their work, welcome challenging assignments, viewing them as opportunities for continued learning and personal growth, be extremely detail oriented, have excellent communication skills. Must be reliable. It's a flexible position. Requirements If you're looking for a challenging, fast-paced and rewarding opportunity and this position sounds interesting, please submit your resume for consideration to dc2432366@gmail.com for more details. for more details. |
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Bri Taylor (’25) featured in UMNews article about 2025 Young Adults Pilgrimage of Peace
The following is an excerpt from the article “Young adults walk paths of peace” featuring Bri Taylor ('25), published by UMNews. Photo and article by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.
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A video presentation at the memorial vividly recounted the brutal suppression of the Democratic Uprising and the citizens’ resilient, ethical resistance. On May 18, 1980, the South Korean military violently suppressed nonviolent student demonstrations against the military dictatorship that seized power the previous year.
Briana N. Taylor, from United Methodist-related Boston University School of Theology, shared her reflections following the visit.
“I saw this history of Gwangju as alive and still present,” she told UM News. “It invited me theologically to sit with death in mourning in an attitude of Holy Saturday, instead of rushing through to find new life on Resurrection Sunday.”
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MDiv/MSW student Maria Gorret Nampiima (’26) featured for her sustainability work
The following is an excerpt from the article “Turning Move-out Donations into Community Impact” featuring current Master of Divinity student Maria Gorret Nampiima (STH'26, SSW'26), published by Boston University Sustainability.
Sustainability and helping the poor can go hand in hand. In partnership with the Faith & Ecological Justice Program at the School of Theology, BU Sustainability has collected over 2,000 pounds of textiles that will go to local homeless shelters and community organizations in Greater Boston.
This program is the brainchild of a Master of Theology and Social Work student, Maria Gorret Nampiima. Last year, Maria worked as a GOAT (Goodwill, Not Landfill Operations Assistance Team), and as part of her support during move-out, she recognized the vast amount of textiles, including bedding, pillows, towels, and blankets, that were discarded by her fellow students.
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