Alumni News
Assistant to the First Parish in Brookline Religious Exploration Program, Part-Time, UU: Brookline, MA
We are seeking an assistant to the First Parish in Brookline Religious Exploration program (a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Brookline, Massachusetts). This individual will have prior experience with the care of young children, and will be available on Sunday mornings 9:30 to 12:30, plus the first Friday of every month 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Primary duties include child care for children under the age of four during Sunday services, and child care for children of all ages during First Friday Community Dinners. The ideal candidate will also have an interest in the larger Religious Exploration program and will be willing to learn and share ideas for creative ways to engage with children and families. We guarantee 15 hours per month, September through June, at a pre-tax rate of $20 per hour. More hours may occasionally be available. On days when the assistant is present and there are no young children in need of care, you will be asked to assist with other duties to support the Religious Exploration program, such as preparing and organizing materials, and helping with elementary age Religious Exploration classes. No prior knowledge of the Unitarian Universalist tradition is necessary, but comfort with liberal and humanist religious language and ideas is required.
Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Please send your resume and a letter of introduction to jayleigh@firstparishinbrookline.org. If offered the position, you will be required to pass a background check.
Additional Information: https://firstparishinbrookline.org/religious-exploration/re/
Director of Ministries, Full-Time, UMC: Salina, Kansas
Director of Ministries Job Description.
The director of ministries will work with all ministry teams to ensure the smooth implementation of the church's mission and vision. He or she handles the operational and administrative aspects of the church's ministry teams. The director facilitates the strategic planning and staffing (paid and unpaid) of the church ministries to ensure alignment and accomplishment of the church's mission and vision. He or she will oversee the day-to-day administration of the church and support the lead pastor to focus on the desired future of the church. The director of ministries is expected to cultivate his or her relationship with God creating a path toward spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.
Qualifications
1. A growing relationship with Jesus.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
3. Conflict management skills.
4. Leadership and administrative abilities.
5. Exceptional people skills.
6. A creative vision for ministry.
7. Physical stamina to carry out responsibilities.
8. Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (preferred).
Accountability
1. Accountable to the lead pastor for supervision and evaluation.
2. Expected to maintain strict confidentiality.
Leadership and Administration
1. Coordinate and ensure implementation of the administrative needs of ministry teams and small groups.
2. Oversee paid and unpaid staff.
3. Work with the lead pastor to ensure that all ministry teams and the congregation are equipped to fulfill the church's mission.
4. Work with the lead pastor to oversee the day-to-day administration of the church.
Responsibilities
1. Collaborate with the lead pastor.
2. Maintain oversight of church ministry teams to ensure teams are focused on the church's mission.
3. Facilitate annual strategic planning of ministry teams.
4. Work with ministry team leaders regarding the administration and implementation of the church's mission and vision.
5. Ensure accurate weekly statistical data of all ministry teams’ activities are maintained in Breeze and Vital Sign databases.
6. Prepare written operational reports of ministry teams.
7. Work with the lead pastor to evaluate staff performances.
8. Brief the lead pastor weekly on ministry teams’ performance and needs.
9. Maintain a consistent presence during services.
Hours
40 hours per week (includes some evening and weekend hours)
Benefits
1. Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation.
2. Salary negotiable, based on experience and qualifications.
Website: www.salinafirst.com
Community Chaplain, Full-Time, Episcopal: Boston, MA
Summary: MANNA (Many Angels Needed Now and Always) is a ministry of, by, for, and with people experiencing homelessness on and near Boston Common. MANNA is a community of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Episcopal), which works closely with other service providers and city agencies. On average, we serve 45-100 people each day we gather in community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Individual and Communal Pastoral Care (80%)
• Be present with the community Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday when the community is gathered and offer support and pastoral care as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Pastor and pastoral care team to ensure the community as a whole is receiving care.
• Support all MANNA programs including seasonal and extra worship services (memorials, etc.) and community events (Winter Walk, Walk for Hunger, retreats of any kind, etc.). MANNA is operational on all Monday holidays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Must have availability to work in rotation with other MANNA staff members for Monday holidays and major holidays.
• Visit community members in hospital, jail, or on the street as needed.
• Accompany community members as needed to bus/train station or appointments (housing, medical, crisis intervention teams) in collaboration with the Head Pastor.
• Help reduce harm by being fully present with eyes on the community as a whole, defusing conflict, intervening when necessary to keep drugs and alcohol out of the space, managing tensions and encouraging the community to be “pillars of peace,” and, if necessary, asking community members to leave for the day.
• Assist in the day-to-day operations of MANNA.
• Officiate at MANNA Eucharist in rotation with the pastoral care team.
• Facilitate community meetings in rotation with the pastoral care team.
BACHome Council Duties and Responsibilities (20%)
Boston’s Advisory Council on Ending Homelessness (BACHome Council) is dedicated to uplifting the voices of those with lived experience with homelessness in Boston. The BACHome Council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month in City Hall. The Council discusses issues pertinent to people impacted by homelessness in the City.
• Attend BACHome Council meetings every first and third Tuesday each month.
• Co-edit BACHome agendas and meeting notes with Head Pastor.
• Provide spiritual and emotional support to BACHome Council members at regular meetings and in-between meetings by phone or by Zoom.
• Assist Head Pastor in coordinating meetings with the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the City of Boston, and any other participating group working with BACHome.
Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• A call to a ministry of presence with people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness.
• A desire and an ability to work well as part of a small ministry team.
• Capacity to greet the community in the spirit of love, always working towards reconciliation and redemption in the midst of challenging behavior.
• Commitment to engage with the community at every level, from casual to deep listening, offering a spirit of compassion which honors the dignity of all human beings.
• A call to work across difference of class, race, gender, faith traditions.
• Willingness and ability to work Monday holidays and major holidays. MANNA is operational on all Monday holidays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Must have availability to work in rotation with other MANNA staff members for Monday holidays and major holidays.
• Ability to be flexible with hours.
• Commitment to anti-racism work in collaboration with the Cathedral
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Microsoft Word, Power Point)
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.
• Position offered for clergy or lay ministers.
Work Environment
The Cathedral serves people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, including unhoused persons, in a busy urban neighborhood. We are committed to celebrating belonging, equity, inclusion and diversity within and among our congregations, employees and visitors, and candidates must be able to affirm these commitments. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. MANNA serves a diverse community of people who have experienced/are experiencing trauma and need strong support to be successful in community. De-escalation training and trauma-informed care training are part of orientation for MANNA employees.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to hr@diomass.org.
Additional Information
Nursery Supervisor, Part-Time, UCC: Winchester, MA
Nursery Supervisor
Reports to: Minister of Children & Families
Position Status: Guaranteed 2 hours per week plus possibility for additional hours.
$30/hr.
Job Overview
The First Congregational Church of Winchester is looking for a friendly, organized Nursery School Supervisor. This person will supervise teenage nursery workers, and together they will provide nurturing, creative activities for infants and toddlers so their parents can attend our Sunday morning worship service.
Responsibilities and Duties
-Provide childcare for infants and toddlers in the church nursery on Sunday mornings before and during the worship service from 9:30am to 11:30am
-Be a welcoming face to parents as they drop their children off
-Plan basic activities for the children such as arts and crafts or story telling
-Be available to provide additional hours of childcare for meetings and other church activities arranged ahead of time
-Collect information from new families and maintain nursery records
-Sign children into the nursery and release them to their families after worship service
-Tidy the nursery area after service
-Oversee teen nursery staff (1-2 per week), schedule their work hours and authorize their
time sheets
-Work with the Minister of Children & Families to troubleshoot any issues within the
nursery
Qualifications
-At least 20 years of age
-Experience working with and caring for young children
-CPR and first-aid certified (or willingness to attend training)
-Able to pass CORI and SORI background checks
-Friendly, creative, and caring personality
Interested applicants should submit the following to maggie.fccw@gmail:
-Resume/CV
-Detailed cover letter outlining how your qualifications meet those sought in this post
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other class.
Additional Information: https://fcc-winchester.com
BUSTH Announces Faculty Publications for September 2023
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications for September 2023:
- Choi Hee An
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“Asian Immigrants’ Hinterland,” Rebekah Pryor and Stephen Burns eds. Feminist Theologies: Interstices and Fractures, Lexington: Fortress Press, 2023.
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- Choi Hee An, et al
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“Intellectual humility and religion/spirituality: a scoping review of research,” co-authored with Elise J. Y. Choe, Stephen Waldron, Choi Hee An & Steven J. Sandage, The Journal of Positive Psychology, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2239792 https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2023.2239792
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Nicolette Manglos-Weber, et al
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An Invitation to the Sociology of Religion: Important Questions Answered by Scholars in the Field. Am Soc (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-023-09578-z
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James McCarty, et al
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“Teaching Religion and Upholding Academic Freedom,” Journal of Religious Ethics 51.2 (2023), 343-373.
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Dana Robert, et al
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Robert, D. L., Kach-Yawnghwe, A., & Crago, M. (Eds.). (2023). Creative Collaborations: Case Studies of North American Missional Practices. Regnum Books.
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Steven Sandage, et al
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Choe, E.J.Y., Waldron, S., Choi, H.A., & Sandage, S.J. (2023). Intellectual humility and religion/spirituality: A scoping review of research. Journal of Positive Psychology, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2239792
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Porter, E., Jessen, M., Coleman, J., Sinha, S., Devor, N.G., Sauer-Zavala, S., Levitt, H., Tao, K., Zanarini, M., Farchione, T., Sandage, S.J., & Owen, J. (2023). Therapist experiences and perspectives on moving beyond symptoms and into flourishing: A grounded theory analysis. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2023.2225033
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Wildman, W. J., Rohr, D., Sandage, S. J., & Donato, N. C. (2023). The Dimensions of Spirituality Inventory. Archive for the Psychology of Religion. https://doi-org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1177/00846724231185180
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Hook, J. N., Zuniga, S., Wang, D. C., Brown, E. M., Dwiwardani, C., & Sandage, S. J. (2023). Conviction, competence, and context: A three-level model to promote racial diversity, inclusion, and equity among Christians. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 42, 97-115.
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- Shively T. J. Smith
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“‘I Can See It. Now, How to Say it?’: Hearing the Aesthetic Dimension of Howard Thurman, the Interpreter.” In The Unfinished Search for Common Ground: Reimagining Howard Thurman’s Life and Work, edited by Walter Earl Fluker. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, forthcoming June 2023. [Peer Reviewed]
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- Karen Westerfield-Tucker
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“Baptism and Ecumenism: Towards a Sacramental Bond of Unity.” In New Life in the Risen Christ: Wesleyan Theology of Baptism, ed. Jonathan Powers, pp. 271-90. Cascade/Wipf & Stock, 2023.
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“Berakah Response.” Proceedings of the North American Academy of Liturgy Annual Meeting (2023): 24-33.
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“Another Look at the Methodist/Wesleyan Love Feast: Introduction, Reception, Adaptation, and Emerging Possibilities.” Wesley and Methodist Studies 15.2 (2023): 145-76.
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Transcripts of the sacred in Nigeria: Beautiful, monstrous, ridiculous. Indiana University Press.
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Eugene F. Thomas, D.Min. (STH ’93)
This obituary was originally posted by Dignity Memorials and can be found here.
Eugene “Gene” Foster Thomas died peacefully at home on August 14, 2023 at the age of 78. He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Gene was born in 1945 to Carroll Dougla9s Thomas and Viola (Strigle) Thomas of Gloucester, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Linda (Bing) Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Amanda Lee Thomas of Arlington, Virginia; his brother, Carl Douglas Thomas of Moon, Virginia; his two children, William Douglas Thomas of Richmond and Gloucester, Virginia and Jennifer Thomas Martin of Inwood, West Virginia; his five grandchildren: William Douglas Thomas, Jr., Christopher Ryan Thomas, Lyndsay Page Thomas, Jed Thomas Adams, and Danielle Wolfrey; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was a graduate of Christopher Newport College with a B.A. in Philosophy in 1979, Virginia Union University School of Theology with a Master of Theology in 1983, and Boston University School of Theology with a Doctor of Ministry in 1993.
Gene started his professional work as an entrepreneur, a part owner of M&G Transportation in Gloucester, Virginia. There wasn’t a truck driving down Virginia highways that he didn’t love nor a trucking company that he wasn’t familiar with. He relished contributing to his family business and helped build up the business model until the Lord called him into ministry.
Gene entered the ministry from Salem United Methodist Church in Mathews, Virginia, and was ordained a United Methodist deacon in 1982 and an elder in 1985. He pastored churches in the Northern Neck, Winchester, Alexandria, New Market, Virginia Beach and Arlington. He served as an assistant on the Rehoboth Charge, consisting of Bluff Point, Wicomico, Rehoboth and Mila United Methodist Churches. He pastored the Northern Frederick Charge, consisting of Rest, White Hall and Mount Pleasant United Methodist Churches. He served as the senior pastor of Kernstown, Lincolnia, Manor Memorial, Thalia and Clarendon United Methodist Churches. He retired from the ministry in 2014. In addition, he was active in the Emmaus community.
As a man of God who loved to worship, Gene appreciated many forms of worship including high church, contemporary, Taize and others. He was eager to share his vast knowledge with anyone who loved to worship the Lord. Because he had an artist’s eye, Gene appreciated and incorporated many artistic elements into his worship including using a church’s architecture to highlight elements of worship. He also had a special place in his heart for men’s ministry.
After his retirement, Gene spent much time serving as a member of the Virginia Society of Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR), serving as a past state chaplain and as a past president of the George Mason Chapter. He also served as a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington, a docent at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and a member of both the Chesapeake Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society and the Washington Golf and Country Club. He preached the word of God for Rick Bonfim Ministries and enjoyed having the time to paint.
He was a devoted husband, first to Linda and then to Amanda. He was a devoted father and PawPaw to his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a dapper, fastidious, and meticulous man. He wore his formidable intellect lightly and preferred to be known as a country boy. Gene was a man who was born in a small, rural town but relished traveling the world to see his favorite art. Above all, he was a gentle man, who loved and was loved.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street, Arlington). A reception will follow at noon at the Washington Golf and Country Club (3017 N. Glebe Road, Arlington). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the men’s group (Murky Men) at Clarendon United Methodist Church; Manor Memorial United Methodist Church; Rick Bonfim Ministries; or the Virginia Society of Sons of the American Revolution.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-fh.com for the Thomas family.
Prof. Rady Roldán-Figueroa appointed to Robert Randall Distinguished Professorship at Providence College
Associate Professor of the History of Christianity Rady Roldán-Figueroa was recently appointed to the Robert Randall Distinguished Professorship in Christian Culture at Providence College for the fall 2023 semester. In this role, Prof. Roldán-Figueroa will direct student research, deliver public lectures, and contribute to undergraduate learning in his areas of expertise.
“The Randall Professorship is held by a recognized scholar whose work concentrates on an understanding of culture that embodies a Christian view of human achievement,” said Dean G. Sujin Pak in an announcement to BUSTH faculty and administrators. “Congratulations, Dr. Roldán-Figueroa, for this fine recognition of your scholarship, teaching, and academic leadership!”
Early Childhood Teacher, Gig (Paid Per Appearance), Unitarian Universalist: Cambridge, MA
First Parish is looking for a warm, engaging Early Childhood Teacher to support Religious Education on Sunday mornings, along with occasional additional events. This teacher, along with an assistant, cares for the youngest children, age four and under, during the Sunday worship service, as well as supervising children whose parents are occupied with worship preparation or classes prior to the service or directly after. The childcare program engages children in creative activities, songs, stories, and safe play. Childcare is provided from 9:00 to 1:00, although most children will attend nursery during the church service, from 11-12:15. Coverage preceding or after the service may include elementary age children, and the teacher may be asked to assist the elementary educator as needed, especially if there are no nursery children on a given Sunday.
Pay is $100 for 4 hours on Sunday mornings and $25/hour for additional occasional family events.
The ideal candidate will have experience in early childhood education and childcare, particularly with working with groups, as well as experience with neurodiversity and inclusivity. A gentle, kind, playful approach is a must.
Job Duties:
Engage children in creative activities, stories, and safe play
Supervise volunteers and any assisting staff
Create a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents
Set up and clean up the nursery classroom
Maintain attendance log for the nursery classroom
May be asked to assist at family events, holidays, field trips, and all-church special events at times other than Sunday mornings
Work collaboratively with other staff to register children, track attendance, and implement safety policies, such as our Safe Congregational Policy.
Communicate with parents regarding any specific child needs
Check in with the Director of Ministries for Families and Children each Sunday morning.
Assist in the elementary classroom if no nursery children are present.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Jobs@FirstParishCambridge.org. Please no phone calls regarding this position.
Additional Information: https://www.firstparishcambridge.org/job-openings/
Elementary Educator, Gig (Paid Per Appearance), Unitarian Universalist: Cambridge, MA
First Parish in Cambridge is looking for an Elementary Educator to support Religious Education on Sunday mornings, along with occasional additional events. This position is the Lead Educator for the elementary classroom, reporting to the Director of Ministries for Families and Children. The elementary educator implements the curricula and lesson plans with a volunteer assistant, assists with religious education events such as church services, special family events, and field trips, encouraging spiritual exploration. Religious Education takes place during the church service on Sunday mornings, which is at 11:00AM. Meetings and preparation take place during the week. The position is at least 5 hours/week, but if there is an additional family event – like a congregation picnic, movie night, or a Harvard Square street fair – more hours would be required. $125/week and $25/hour for additional occasional family events.
The ideal candidate will have experience with elementary age children, education, leading group activities including music, art and games, working with neurodiversity, and stepping forward to support social justice, as well as a knowledge of or willingness to learn about Unitarian Universalism.
Job Duties:
Preparation for Sunday morning activities
Implement lesson plans with the children
Supervise volunteers and any assisting staff
Create a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents
Set up and clean up the elementary classroom
Maintain attendance log for the elementary classroom
Help with A Time for All Ages during the service on Sunday mornings
Assist at family events, holidays, field trips, and all-church special events
Research stories and activities supporting the lesson plans, along with the Director of Ministries for Families and Children.
Work collaboratively with other staff to register children, track attendance, and implement safety policies, such as our Safe Congregation Policy.
Communicate with parents regarding any specific child needs
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Jobs@firstparishcambridge.org. Please no phone calls regarding this position.
Additional Information: https://www.firstparishcambridge.org/job-openings/
Worship Leader, Part-Time, American Baptist: Jamaica Plain, MA
The First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain Worship Leader Job Description
GENERAL UNDERSTANDINGS:
Music is a vital part of the life of faith. In coordination with the pastor, the Worship Leader exercises an important ministry that reaches out to all members of the congregation and the community. To this end:
- The Worship Leader agrees to recognize and facilitate the pastoral dimension of this position by serving as a minister, educator, and principal musician of this congregation.
- The Worship Leader and the Pastors agree to meet regularly so as to affect collegiality in the ministry of music.
HOURS OF WORK:
4-5 hours per week--including Sunday mornings and other hours as required (worship planning or staff meetings)
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Compensation is $8,000/year, paid bi-weekly. At this time there are no other benefits associated with this position. Both the Worship Leader and the Church may terminate employment at will, but recognize that 30 days of advance written notice is preferable.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
- Support the mission and ministry of our intergenerational, multi-cultural, welcoming and affirming congregation.
- Lead singing and music for weekly worship services and special occasions in the life of the church. An understanding of Christian worship and a wide musical repertoire is expected (hymnody, gospel, jazz, folk, world, classical, pop/rock etc.)
- Work as a team with the pastors, pianist and other staff to coordinate, plan and integrate music into the life of the church.
- Facilitate and encourage participation of church members in the musical life of the church, for example, congregational singing, musical groupings (e.g. choir) and soloists/instrumentalists.
- Bring in guest musicians as needed. Assist in finding a substitute when necessary.
- Communicate with staff and volunteers as required, provide resources and advice for pastor and church members, attend occasional meetings.
CONTACT
Please email a cover letter and resume to Rev. Ashlee Wiest-Laird at pastor@firstbaptistjp.org
We hope to hire immediately.
First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain is a multi-cultural, theologically progressive, welcoming and affirming congregation.