This article and photo were originally posted by the World Council of Churches and can be found here.
Youth advisors
Photo Credit: Albin Hillert/WCC
The youth advisors, appointed to a 2023-2030 term, will endeavor to strengthen the voice of young people in the work of the central committee.
The number of proposed advisors—17—is meant to achieve the target of 25% youth participation in the central committee. Every proposed youth advisor was either a participant at the WCC 11th Assembly or was nominated by their church for the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement Commission.
Leaders elected
The central committee also approved commission bylaws and elected commission leaders for each of the six WCC commissions. The governing body elected by consensus the following moderators:
Commission on Faith and Order Moderator: Prof. Dr Stephanie Dietrich, Church of Norway
Commission on World Mission and Evangelism Moderator: Rev. Michael Blair, United Church of Canada
Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation Moderator: Rev. Dr Meehyun Chung, Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea
Vice-moderator: Dr Teddy Chalwe Sakupapa, Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa
Commission of the Churches on International Affairs Moderator: Dr Mathews George Chunakara, general secretary of Christian Conference of Asia (CCA)
Young People in the Ecumenical Movement Commission
Moderator: Karen Erina Puimera, Gereja Protestan di Indonesia Bagian Barat
Commission on Health and Healing Moderator: Dr Stavros Kofinas, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church Co-moderator: H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)
Joint Consultative Group between the WCC and Pentecostal Churches Co-moderator: Rev. Dr Jennifer Leath, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration (PCCC)
Moderators: Bishop Sally Dyck, United Methodist Church, and H.E. Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Commission on Climate Change and Sustainable Development
The WCC central committee also adopted bylaws for a new Commission on Climate Change and Sustainable Development proposed by the WCC 11th Assembly.
The bylaws were developed with reference to other WCC commission bylaws, based on best practices.
The central committee also asked “the general secretary to inform the member churches about the creation of a new commission and request nominations.”
This obituary was originally posted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and can be foundhere.
The Reverend Father Alexander Veronis, 90, longtime pastor of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Lancaster, PA, entered eternal life on June 26, 2023 exactly the way he had hoped – with his beloved wife of 64 years by his side.
Fr. Veronis’s legacy is primarily one of love, faith and service. He tried to see Jesus in every person, was a champion of the underdog, and a strong advocate for the oppressed and the forsaken. He lived by the belief that a rich man is not one who has much, but one who needs little and shares his blessings generously with others. He taught and encouraged his parishioners to use their talents, time and money to promote the faith and to help those in need. He was a father and mentor to all of the people he served and loved.
Fr. Veronis considered it a privilege to be able to share in the joys and sorrows of his beloved parishioners. He relished visiting their homes, sharing in their lives, baptizing and marrying their children, and burying their loved ones. He had a strong affinity for the youth and he and his wife, Pearl, helped to establish the vibrant Metropolis of Pittsburgh Camp Nazareth summer camp program that has impacted generations of Orthodox Christians.
He was noted for his leadership in Orthodox Christian missions and in ecumenical relations. For 43 years, he chaired the Lancaster CROP WALK FOR THE HUNGRY of Church World Service (CWS), helping to raise more than $5 million dollars to alleviate hunger and poverty in Lancaster and in 80 countries worldwide. His dream was that no person would go to sleep hungry anywhere.
Another lifelong passion of Fr. Veronis was missions and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world. He helped establish the Orthodox Christian Missions Center (OCMC), the premier Orthodox Christian mission agency in the USA, and was named as the president emeritus following his retirement.
He also helped to establish the Endowment Fund for Orthodox Missions (EFOM) which endowed the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. A highlight of his life was making a mission trip with his wife to Kenya to build a medical clinic in 1988, joining his son, Luke, who was serving there. He never stopped marveling about the joy he experienced worshiping alongside his African brothers and sisters.
Father Veronis was born in Paterson, N.J., the son of Nicholas and Angeliki Veronis, beloved Greek immigrant parents from Crete, Greece. He was the fifth of six children. He served Annunciation Church, his first and only parish, for 62 years as Pastor and Pastor Emeritus (1961-2023).
He graduated from Lafayette College (B.A.), Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (B.D.) , Boston University School of Theology (S.T.M), and Athens University School of Theology. He received an honorary doctorate (D.D.) from Lebanon Valley College in 1992. In 2015 Boston University School of Theology recognized him as a “Distinguished Alumnus.”
Ordained to the priesthood in 1961, Father Veronis began his parish ministry at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Lancaster. Back in the 1960s, he was among the first in the Orthodox Church to establish regular Bible Studies. He was among the editorial committee to establish the first Orthodox Study Bible in 1993.
In 2008, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and his fellow priests honored his philanthropic and progressive ministry by bestowing on Fr. Veronis “The Distinguished Ministry Award” - the highest tribute given to any Greek Orthodox priest in the country.
Surviving, in addition to his beloved wife, Presbytera Pearl of 64 years, are their five children: Catherine, wife of David Garman (deceased); Nicholas, husband of Susan (Zervanos); George, husband of Christine (Reid); Rebecca (Veronis), wife of Matthew Michalopoulos; and Father Luke, husband of Presbytera Faith (Stathis). He had fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
To his final breath, Fr. Veronis gave gratitude for his wife, Pearl, his faithful companion and loyal partner in Christ. His love for her knew no bounds, and he often said that he could never have been the leader and the priest he was without her support. She was, in every sense of the word, his co-minister. Their love for each other showed their children and parishioners how joyful and fulfilling a Christ-centered marriage could be.
This photo originally appeared on Action International's website and can be found here. Notice of Dr. Harper's passing -- used to inform this piece - was also documented on the Boston University School of Theology's Center for Global Christianity and Mission's website and can be found here.
Dr. George D. Harper passed away earlier this year after serving many years as a church historian and a missionary to the Philippines.
This obituary was originally posted by Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations and can be foundhere.
Reverend J. Walker Epps, Jr., a resident of Headland, died early Tuesday evening, April 25, 2023, at his home. He was 73.
Reverend Walker Epps was reared in Headland, son of the late Julian Walker Epps, Sr. and Mary Ligon Solomon Epps. He was a 1967 graduate of Headland High School. Walker was a 1971 graduate of Birmingham Southern College where he received a BA in Religion and was selected for Omicron Delta Kappa. He was also a graduate of Boston University School of Theology with a Master of Divinity Degree. He served the following churches: Associate Pastor, Pensacola First United Methodist; Jay United Methodist Church; Chatom-Chalker Memorial United Methodist Church; Citronelle United Methodist Church; Cloverdale United Methodist Church, Dothan; Greensboro United Methodist Church; Mary Esther United Methodist Church; Andalusia First United Methodist Church and Enterprise First United Methodist Church. He also served as the Marianna Panama City District Superintendent and the Dothan District Superintendent. Walker formerly served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Birmingham Southern College. For four decades, he and his wife, Lynn, were leaders in the Emmaus Community. After retirement, Walker served on the board of the Respite Ministry of First United Methodist Church and as an active volunteer in the ministry. Walker was a member of the Progressors Sunday School Class of First United Methodist, where he was a beloved teacher. Walker was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lynn Thomas Epps, and a sister, Malinda Epps Morris.
Surviving relatives include a daughter, Ellise Lynn Epps Ryan, Headland; a son, Micah Thomas Epps (Christina Furr Epps), Ft. Mill, SC; two grandchildren, Evelyn Athena Epps and Maxwell Grey Epps; a niece, Michele Morris, a sister-in-law, Patricia Ann Thomas, a brother-in-law, Paul Durand Thomas.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Progressors Sunday School Class and Clergy of the Alabama West Florida Annual Conference.The family would like to express their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Walker during his illness.
Christ Presbyterian Church seeks a Director for Music and Worship Arts who delights in leading congregational worship, shares our vision and values, and finds joy in both the rhythms and rituals of church life - and - opportunities to respond creatively in our ever-changing world. This person will lead a dynamic, healthy, and vital ministry of music and the arts in service to the worship and spiritual life of the congregation. The ideal candidate is passionate about a variety of worship styles and musical genres with expertise in classical, contemporary, and contemplative; have 5-7 years of experience leading worship; and be a person of maturity and faith, who is excited to engage collaboratively in creative processes with staff, congregants, and members of the greater Madison community.
Skills
● Collaborative spirit, flexibility, and a love for the creative process
● Passion for recruiting, nurturing, and leading musicians and artists
● Commitment to beauty and excellence reflective of the divine life
● Commitment to diversity and inclusion of many ages, cultures, theologies, and abilities
● Appreciation for arts other than music and an ability to empower other artists to contribute in meaningful ways to a congregation’s worship life
● Demonstrated ability to supervise others, including paid staff, contractors and volunteers
● Proficiency in technologies that support worship music
● A desire to continue to learn and a willingness to take the feedback of others
Qualifications
● Spiritual maturity, social-emotional health, and a desire to learn and grow in faith
● 5-7 years of experience leading worship music
● Classical music training
● Experience playing and/or leading in contemporary, pop, and/or rock bands
● Accomplished pianist, guitarist, and/or organist
● Proficient conductor/director of bands and/or choirs
● Ability to build healthy and supportive spiritual communities of musicians and artists
● Conversancy with a wide range of music styles (classical, contemporary, contemplative, gospel, folk, pop, etc.)
● Education and/or experience in reformed theological traditions
● A commitment to the long-term health, vitality, and witness of the church
Scope of Work
● Has primary responsibility for planning, composing, arranging, rehearsing, and leading music and arts in classical, contemporary, and contemplative worship services.
● Works closely with the Pastor, key staff, and congregational leaders to plan appropriately for a worship life that includes the contributions of many, remaining flexible and willing to respond in real time to the changing needs of the community.
● Participates in weekly worship planning and monthly Worship Commission meetings.
● Leads ensembles and/or provides for their leadership (choir, worship band, bell choir).
● Creates opportunities for people of a wide range of ages, cultures, and abilities to serve and lead occasionally in music and worship arts.
● Identifies key needs for employing other musicians to provide for the range of worship life (Ex: PT contemporary worship leader proficient in guitar; PT accompanist, etc.)
● Takes responsibility for the experience of the congregation in weekly worship, selecting music and arts that will engage and form people in faith; equipping people in real time to participate in music and liturgy; and leading worship in a responsive and interactive way.
● Engages the visual world and integrates visual arts proactively into worship planning.
● Engages in the care of people, particularly those engaged in music and arts ministries.
● Engages in occasional education opportunities for the congregation.
● Becomes a friend and colleague in the Madison music and arts community.
● Creates opportunities to engage the wider community in music and the arts.
We understand that this is a unique role and you may bring skills and experience to match some, but not all of our expectations. We encourage you to apply and use your cover letter to begin a conversation with us.
Reports to Lead Pastor/Head of Staff
The Lead Pastor and the Director for Music and Worship Arts will enjoy a strong, healthy, collaborative, and generative relationship. In our tradition, the Pastor brings theological and pastoral training. So, she carries primary responsibility for crafting and directing congregational worship. In our congregation, a Director for Music and Worship Arts brings giftedness, experience, and expertise to the selection, composition, rehearsal, and performance of music and the arts in worship. We welcome and celebrate the creative contributions of our staff and volunteer artists and musicians. To that end, the Pastor and Director will meet weekly to nurture their vital relationship.
Compensation
$70-75,000 annually commensurate with experience and scope of work. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, 403b, and continuing education.
Christ Presbyterian Church is committed to values of diversity and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates of color.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, links to videos representing your recent worship leadership, and references to musicsearch@cpcmadison.org. Applicants will be considered and engaged on an immediate and ongoing basis beginning as soon as July 10, 2023.
Additional Information
Christ Presbyterian Church is over 170 years old. Originally located a block off of the Capitol Square, CPC recently celebrated 60 years in its third facility overlooking Lake Mendota. CPC is committed to being centered in Christ, rooted in the Presbyterian and Reformed traditions, and worshiping as an ecumenical fellowship of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
The current Lead Pastor joined the CPC community in the fall of 2021 and began the continued journey of guiding the congregation through a global pandemic and reimagining what it means to be a community of Christ followers in our present reality. CPC is committed to being an intergenerational church that invests in building a more just world through both our local and global communities.
On Sundays, CPC holds a 9am Contemporary Service and a 10:30 Classical Service. Average attendance for the Contemporary service is 136 and the Classical service is 100. When services are combined, average attendance is 164. Our current total Sunday average attendance is 222.
Music & Arts at CPC have always been central to the makeup of the community, with a passion for excellence and inclusion. Reflective of Madison’s rich history of creative arts is the prominent presence of the visual and performing arts within the church. CPC hosts a variety of musical guests and ensembles each year, welcoming the community into our beautiful lakeside sanctuary. Guest musicians and ensembles from within the community join in the musical support of worship various times throughout the year. Coordinating multiple art installations each year, the walls of the church are home to a variety of methods and mediums for the visual arts. In 2001, a Contemporary service was added to the worshiping life of CPC, broadening the scope of musical offerings.
Music Ministry Overview - CPC has historically been home to a part time choir director, part time organist, part time handbell director, and part time contemporary music director.
Additionally, the Chancel Choir employs four section leaders. Recently, church leadership approved funding for a part time contemporary assistant music director.
Both services are heavily dependent on volunteer vocalists and musicians as we strive to be a worshiping congregation that is reflective of the community represented within. The Classical service features Organ and Choir on a weekly basis. On certain Sundays volunteer and/or paid musicians will supplement musical offerings through brass and strings. The Contemporary service features guitars, piano/keys, bass, drums and is supplemented by volunteer and/or paid musicians to include brass and strings. Funds for guest musicians and substitute music leadership are included in the annual worship budget.
CPC’s Worship Commission is composed of lay leaders, pastoral staff and music staff. This group works creatively and collaboratively to oversee the worship and creative arts at CPC. Meeting monthly, the commission oversees budgeting, contributes to conversations regarding staffing needs, and thinks critically about what will best serve the congregation now and in the future.
Spaces and Technology:
Sanctuary - The Sanctuary at CPC seats approximately 225 people with a balcony that houses the organ and choir loft. The chancel is a two level platform that allows for multiple configurations and uses of the space. CPC livestreams worship services weekly with a PTZ system, Blackmagic switcher and OBS. Our presentation software is ProPresenter and our digital audio console is an Allen & Heath SQ5. The Leviton lighting system provides moderate lighting control and is currently under review for an upgrade and transition to a full DMX controlled configuration.
In addition to the organ, the Sanctuary is also home to a harpsichord, baby grand piano, and acoustic drum set. There is also a remote, MIDI controlled organ console on the chancel level. Both the organ console and drums are on casters and easily added or subtracted from the chancel.
Chapel - Overlooking Lake Mendota, the Chapel seats approximately 90 people and has an organ and baby grand piano. There is also a simple sound system for voice amplification.
Fellowship Hall - The Fellowship Hall can hold up to 200 people depending on the configuration. The space has a simple sound system for voice amplification.
Vision, Values and Areas of Call:
Vision - Christ Presbyterian Church envisions a world that is loving and inclusive. We unite with God to be a worshiping community without barriers, a sanctuary for all. We seek to follow Jesus by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
Values - LOVE: We seek to extend God’s love and grace as we nurture deep friendships with one another across generations, races, genders, loves and abilities.
DOUBT + FAITH: We humbly approach the mysteries of faith and complexities of life through continual learning. We encourage questions and curiosity.
BELOVED COMMUNITY: We honor one another as a community where diversity of thought, worship, and experience is respected; silence and sharing hold equal values; and there is safety in vulnerability.
SPIRITUAL HEALTH: Listening to the Spirit, we study scripture, worship, pray, and discern, for our individual and mutual spiritual growth and the transformation of the world.
REPAIR AND RENEWAL: Following Jesus, we seek to be people who give of our time, talent and resources to build a more just world in our local and global communities.
CARE OF CREATION: Following God’s call to care for the earth, we take measures to live sustainably and pursue systemic change to bring healing to the planet.
Areas of Call
● Worship
● Diverse and Inclusive Culture
● Christian Witness
● Children and Youth
● Spiritual Nurture and Development
● Creative Arts
● Care of Creation
Madison, WI is a thriving capitol city and home to the University of Wisconsin. The capitol building sits on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona. The median age in Madison is
31.2 years and the city continues to be the fastest growing municipality in Wisconsin.
Part-time Minister at small UCC church in southeastern MA (Plympton MA).
20 hours per week; compensation approximately $37,300 annually.
We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic, welcoming to all, a capable and interesting speaker, and a flexible leader. Candidates could include:
* a recent graduate,
* a student ready for field work as sole pastor,
* a student interested in serving as a minister under care,
* a minister working in another field or another ministry,
* a graduate with another vocation who is seeking an avocation in a church setting.
Our congregation is warm and welcoming, we work together in collaborative harmony and offer a nurturing and supportive environment for each other, our staff and visitors. We have a dedicated core group of leadership who are open to our minister's ideas and willing to share the work.
Our music program is strong and includes a talented choir and terrific director/pianist. We are open to creative ways of filling our pulpit.
Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Mayor Michelle Wu, former state Rep. Byron Rushing, and Kyera Singleton celebrate the opening of the city’s new “Slavery in Boston” exhibit with a ribbon cutting. This image and caption were originally posted on the Boston Herald and credited to Libby O’Neill. The original content may be accessed by clicking on the image.
This article originally appeared on WCBV5's website and can be found here.
Mayor Michelle Wu and other officials participated in the ribbon-cutting for a new exhibit about the history of slavery in Boston on Friday, but the location of that exhibit is reigniting a yearslong debate in the city.
The new exhibit is inside Faneuil Hall, a landmark that's become somewhat controversial because of its namesake's role in the slave trade.Starting in 2017, an organization has been pushing to rename the historic building.
Peter Faneuil moved to Boston in the early 1700s and entered Boston's commission and shipping business. He became a prominent figure in something called the Triangular trade, where slaves were sent to the West Indies and molasses and sugar were delivered to the American colonies.
Construction on the building known today as Faneuil Hall was pushed by Peter Faneuil in 1740, and it opened in September 1742, six months before he died.
The building was named for Faneuil after his death. It was used as a meeting place for colonists before and during the Revolution. Over the centuries, it played host to others seeking radical societal change, including abolitionists and women's suffragists. It has been a marketplace, an armory and a banquet hall, and to this day remains a site for political and civic events, including ceremonies to swear in the foreign-born as new U.S. citizens.
Rev. Kevin Peterson of the New Democracy Coalition has led the ongoing effort to push for a name change. He said that members of his organization plan to gather Friday in opposition to the unveiling of the slavery exhibit.
Peterson said they do not object to the content of the exhibit but disapprove of the location.
"This exhibit is an insult to Black people. It's an insult because it is being placed in a building that is named after a slave owner," he said.
"The importance of this exhibit is that we talk about the history of slavery," said Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, Boston's chief of environment, energy and open space. "We also talk about the way folks overcame."
"The simple conversation about changing a name, we can have that in context of the larger work we have to do as a society about the impacts of enslavement," said Wu.
The following is an excerpt from the BU Todayarticle “Introducing the Charles River Campus’ Newest Associate Professors” featuring Associate Professor of Religion and Society Nicolette Manglos-Weber, published on June 27, 2023. Click here to read the full article.
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“We have had the pleasure of watching these talented colleagues develop from promising junior faculty into teachers and scholars of national impact and recognition,” Jean Morrison, provost and chief academic officer, wrote in a letter sent to BU faculty announcing the promotions. “In fields as diverse as the natural, health, and social sciences, the arts, history, engineering, economics, and communication, these faculty members have fulfilled the promise we saw in them as they began their careers at Boston University.”
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Nicolette Manglos-Weber,School of Theology associate professor of religion and society, is an interdisciplinary sociologist who studies religious community life, focusing on how religion shapes politics and collective well-being. Her research has focused extensively on faith communities in English-speaking Africa, migrants in the US, and young adults in the US facing stress and adversity.
On May 17, 2023, homiletics students at Boston University School of Theology gathered to preach for the inaugural Edith P. and Augustus G. Hare Preaching Prize. The prize had two categories: the first for sermons based on a Biblical or other scriptural text, and the second for sermons for a situation of the student’s choice, which could include poetry, musical lyrics, or a local community reflection. The winning recipients were awarded a $1,000 prize for each category, and the students were judged by a panel, including Bishops Scholar in Homiletics and Preaching David S. Jacobsen, and PhD students Joshua Lazard and La Ronda Barnes. All registered spring 2023 STH students were able to enter, and students were free to speak from any tradition or spirituality and receive feedback in a learning setting.
“This was the first year for us to organize the Hare Prize, thanks to a generous donation from the Hare family,” said Professor Jacobsen. “We were most pleased that we could offer two prizes, one for textual sermons and another for situational sermons. This way, any students who preached with non-Christian texts and students whose preaching takes place in radically different contexts and situations could join in. Hearing powerful student sermons and the beautiful range of good preaching across traditions and contexts made it all worthwhile. It shows me once again that BUSTH is truly the ‘School of the Prophets.’”
Congratulations to all participating students as well as the 2023 inaugural award winners.
Prize 1: Text-based Sermon
Katy Fazio, winner: Katy Fazio is a second-year Master of Divinity student in the Pastoral Ministry track. Katy is a Member in Discernment in the United Church of Christ and currently serves as Minister of Children and Families at First Congregational Church in Milton.
J.J. Martinez, honorable mention: J.J. Martinez is a second-year graduate student at the Boston University School of Theology pursuing a Master of Divinity on the pastoral ministry track. He is a recipient of the Raíces Latinx Fellowship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Texas at El Paso, graduating summa cum laude with honors. He will pursue a PhD after graduating. J.J. is a declared candidate for ordination in the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church and hopes to pastor once he completes his education.
Audrey Woodhams, honorable mention: Audrey Woodhams is a second-year candidate for the Master of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology. She is passionate about building local creative communities. She is a pastor, writer, singer/songwriter, mom of three, and Ted Lasso fan, and maintains that running charades = the greatest game of all time.
Prize 2: Situational Sermon
Madison Boboltz, winner: Madison Boboltz graduated with her Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in May 2023 and was subsequently commissioned as a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference. She is currently serving her first appointment as the Associate Pastor of Adult Formation at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas.
Basil Adamah, honorable mention: Basil Adamah is a second-year Master of Divinity student. After graduation, he plans to pursue a PhD. Basil’s vocational aspiration is to be a university chaplain and professor.
University Lutheran Church (Cambridge, MA) is seeking applicants for the position of Church Administrator. The Church Administrator is responsible for communications, administration, building management, site coordination, coordination with the students who operate the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter (HSHS) and supervision of the church sexton.
Major responsibilities include:
● Coordinate oral and written communications and publications
● Schedule and manage building use by church groups and community partners
● Participate in staff meetings and serve as a liaison to the church council
● Provide administrative support to staff and volunteers
● Process invoices and donations and manage purchasing
● Manage church office systems, procedures and technology
● Supervise the sexton
● Arrange all needed building maintenance, repairs, and all required inspections
● Collaborate and maintain open communication with student leadership of the HSHS
● Be available Sundays and flex hours to support building use
● Full job description available upon request.
Qualifications
● Strong oral and written communication skills
● Experience working with diverse individuals and groups
● Ability to work independently
● Willingness to support the mission of University Lutheran Church
● Comfortable working with online meeting applications (Zoom, etc).
● Passes the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check.
We are a Christian ministry of and to members of the academic communities of Cambridge and Greater Boston. We are a congregation of young and old, students and resident members, drawn together by the desire for worship, study, community, and service. We are committed to greater inclusivity in our church for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, with GLBTQ+ individuals as active members and leaders. We are also the home of the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter.
This photo originally appeared on Action International's website and can be found 
Katy Fazio, winner: Katy Fazio is a second-year Master of Divinity student in the Pastoral Ministry track. Katy is a Member in Discernment in the United Church of Christ and currently serves as Minister of Children and Families at First Congregational Church in Milton.
J.J. Martinez, honorable mention: J.J. Martinez is a second-year graduate student at the Boston University School of Theology pursuing a Master of Divinity on the pastoral ministry track. He is a recipient of the Raíces Latinx Fellowship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Texas at El Paso, graduating summa cum laude with honors. He will pursue a PhD after graduating. J.J. is a declared candidate for ordination in the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church and hopes to pastor once he completes his education. 
Audrey Woodhams, honorable mention
Madison Boboltz, winner: Madison Boboltz graduated with her Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in May 2023 and was subsequently commissioned as a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference. She is currently serving her first appointment as the Associate Pastor of Adult Formation at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas. 