Alumni News

Christian Education Director, Part-Time, ELCA: Westborough, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

Please click the following link for information on this job posting: Christian Education Director

Faith Formation Coordinator/Lead Teacher, Part-Time, UCC: Arlington, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

FAITH FORMATION COORDINATOR in Arlington, MA

Park Avenue Congregational Church UCC, an Open and Affirming Congregation, seeks a part-time Faith Formation Coordinator / Lead Teacher. This position has excellent growth potential for a candidate who seeks greater responsibility and exhibits strong leadership qualities.
PACC seeks someone with an openness to progressive, Christian faith who can cultivate a positive, nurturing relationship with children, youth and families so that church is a place where they feel loved and valued on their faith journey.

The primary function of this job is to plan, lead, and oversee all elements of Sunday School, including:
 Using a published curriculum, plan lessons and prepare materials for two classrooms
(one preschool and one elementary);
 Schedule established adult and youth volunteer teachers, and seek out new ones from among the PACC community to teach and assist in classrooms;
 Lead-teach in elementary classroom each Sunday;
 Work with Pastor and Youth Music Director/Acting Christian Education Director to
coordinate occasional special Sunday School events, supplies, etc.
 Be on-site Sunday mornings from 9:30am-12pm to prepare classrooms, teach, clean up, and connect with children and families.
 The job requires approximately 8-10 hours per week September to June, and 5 hours
per week in the summer months. College degree or equivalent work-related experience is preferred, but current college or graduate students will be considered. Sunday mornings on-site with possibility of remote work for other responsibilities. Pay is hourly ($22-$26/hour depending on experience). Applicants should have experience working with children and be comfortable working in a church environment. They should demonstrate strong organizational, collaborative, and
communication skills; be punctual; and possess excellent interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor.
Submit a cover letter and resume to: ce-search@pacc-ucc.org.
Park Avenue Congregational Church, UCC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PACC website: www.pacc-ucc.org
PACC address: 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02476

NOLA Wesley Foundation’s Campus Minister, Full-Time, UMC/Presbyterian: New Orleans, LA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

NOLA Wesley is the Progressive Christian Ministry serving Tulane and Loyola’s student communities, located in Uptown New Orleans, supported by the United Methodist and Presbyterian Church. We are open to people of all faiths who want to spend time in Christ-centered communities. Our mission is to accept, become, and share Christ’s love by building an inclusive community rooted in faith and justice. We are a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which advocates for the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the United Methodist Church.

Our Core Values
Open Table: We believe in grounding our lives in community, so we start our week centered around dinner and worship on Sunday nights.
Safe Space: We believe in creating safe spaces for students with a diversity of spiritual journeys where no questions are taboo. We have a variety of offerings which may include book studies, scripture, and prayer services.
Changed Lives: We accept everyone the way they are, and we also expect that our lives will be changed by Jesus, so we challenge each other to grow spiritually.
Transformed World: We believe that God wants to transform the world through us. To this end, we seek ways to be of service and fight for justice in the New Orleans community.

In addition to scheduled weekly programming, Wesley’s building is available for studying, hanging out, movie/game nights, and prayer/meditation. We have a student lounge, study room, a back patio, and 2 dorm-style rooms that can accommodate up to 4 residents.

NOLA Wesley also contains a daytime café, The Labyrinth, a designated 1001 New Worshiping Community with the Presbyterian Church. Staffed by work-study students, The Labyrinth offers coffee, teas, paninis, bagels, and snacks. The Labyrinth also serves as an event venue for college bands, theater, craft nights, and a variety of other community events and meetings.

Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the NOLA Wesley Foundation’s Campus Minister is to create a vibrant, engaged student faith community by planning and executing Wesley programming & worship, providing pastoral care, and encouraging student leadership. Secondary responsibilities include coordinating with local church volunteers, developing relationships with & nurturing the engagement of local churches and universities, and working with the board on fundraising.

Desired Skills and Qualifications
• Master of Divinity from an accredited seminary preferred, Ordination, or demonstrated relevant leadership experience
• Harmony with NOLA Wesley’s core values and ministry context
• Highly interpersonally skilled: able to relate to college students, create a welcoming environment, and articulate a compelling vision for NOLA Wesley, the university community, and students’ personal lives
• Creativity in planning and competence in execution of worship and programming
• Teaching/preaching/presentation skills. Calendar/time management/organizational/tidiness skills.
• Pastoral care: ability to provide counseling on spiritual and life issues
• Ability to encourage and develop student leadership
• Competency with information and communications systems, including MS office, email newsletters, and social media
• Ability to operate with minimal day-to-day supervision, be a self-starter and planner, initiative taker

Worship & Programming Duties
• Plan and lead weekly worship service, including coordination of meals provided by local churches
• Lead small groups, equip student leadership for student-led groups
• Plan and participate in fellowship events, retreats, and local mission events
• Develop strategies for outreach to student participants which reflect the diversity of the university campus
• Liaison with Tulane & Loyola Administrations and other student organizations (i.e. offices of multicultural/gender diversity/religious life, other campus religious/service organizations)
• Specific hours and schedule will fluctuate in-semester vs. summer and will include some evening and weekend hours

Pastoral Care Duties
• Welcome students into the Wesley community, regardless of race, class, creed, gender, or sexual orientation
• Be available for conversations and short-term counseling, make appropriate referrals

Labyrinth Café Duties
• Planning and executing Wesley-sponsored Labyrinth events such as open-mic nights
• Coordination with café manager for Labyrinth “venue” events such as band shows, yoga classes, group meetings, etc.

Supervisory and Administrative Duties
• Selection of Student Ministry Team and any part-time staff hires
• Equipping/empowering café manager to ensure the café has supplies and adequate staffing
• Hold regular staff meetings with student leadership for accomplishing weekly support tasks
• Recruiting, screening and coordination of volunteers for ministry needs
• Work with the board on creating a yearly budget, remain conscious of budget when spending throughout the year
• Maintaining an orderly and welcoming space, i.e. organization and decluttering the space when needed
(Weekly cleaning of bathrooms and kitchen is contracted to a cleaning service. Café-related cleaning is by café staff.)

Reporting and Personal Growth
• The Campus Minister reports to the Board of Directors of the NOLA Wesley Foundation; the New Orleans District Superintendent; and the Louisiana Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.
• The Campus Minister is encouraged to attend continuing education opportunities, with emphasis on campus ministry.

Fundraising
NOLA Wesley is jointly funded by the Louisiana Conference, Presbytery of South Louisiana, 1001 NWC, and donations from supporters and local churches. Wesley raises a portion of its budget every year through local church outreach and online platforms such as Facebook, Patreon, and Donorbox. Additional funding from grants, one-time gifts, and fundraising drives enables a variety of programs. Though the board tries to spearhead these efforts, the campus minister serves as the “face” of Wesley. Being able to articulate a compelling vision to potential donors and being comfortable asking for money to make that vision reality are key.

Compensation
Salary is commensurate with credentials and experience (~$60,000 starting range) Insurance and pension through the Louisiana Annual Conference is provided for qualified clergy. A health insurance stipend is offered otherwise.

Candidates from outside Louisiana, from other denominations, and non-clergy are also encouraged to apply. Interested persons should email a resume, cover letter, and two references to Alex Sloan (wasloan21@gmail.com) by June 1, 2024.
Further applications may be accepted past the due date at the discretion of the board of directors.

Additional Information: nolawesley.org 

Interfaith Chaplain, Part-Time: Bridgeport, CT

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

Please click the following link for information on this job posting: Job Opening: Interfaith Chaplain (12 Hours) - Department of Administrative Services (jobapscloud.com)

Minister of Music (organist/pianist/choir accompanist & director), Part-Time, Protestant: Peabody, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

Open Position:
MINISTER OF MUSIC
(ORGANIST/PIANIST/CHOIR ACCOMPANIST & DIRECTOR)

Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA – a large, vibrant retirement community, is seeking a part time Minister of Music (organist/pianist/choir accompanist & director) for their weekly Sunday Protestant Worship Service. The ideal candidate will possess strong keyboard skills on organ and piano, as well as experience accompanying while directing volunteer choirs.

The Minister of Music will play the Allen Organ and the Steinway Piano for each 11am Sunday worship service in the Chapel. They will also accompany and direct the 20+ member volunteer choir at its warm-up rehearsal on Sunday morning at 9:30am, and at its weekly 1.5 hour rehearsal (currently on Friday mornings at 9:30am, but time/day could be negotiated, if needed). The Minister of Music will work closely with the Protestant Pastor to choose music for each Sunday service that fits the theological theme of the day or season.

This position is year-round, however the choir takes off in July and August (during those months the Minister of Music is playing for the service on Sundays only, rather than also directing and leading the choir) Start date by September 1, but negotiable. Salary commensurate with experience.

This is a dream Minister of Music position – working with retirees who are so engaged and passionate about the ways music enhances their worship of God and deepens their zest for life!

Interested candidates should contact:
Rev. Chad William Kidd, Pastoral Ministries Manager & Rev. Sue Remick, Protestant Pastor
Email your resume and cover letter to Chad.Kidd@Erickson.com & Sue.Remick@Erickson.com

Director of Christian Education, Part-Time, UMC: Arlington, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

Calvary Church United Methodist, a vibrant faith community located in the heart of Arlington, Massachusetts, seeks a talented and enthusiastic person to serve in the part-time position of Director of Christian Education. The Director of Christian Education will oversee all aspects of Christian education at Calvary with the missional goal of continuing to build a community of learning and exploration that fosters faithfulness and connection. Calvary is a reconciling and affirming church where all are welcome; we encourage Christian individuals from any background to apply. The Director of Christian Education will devote 20 hours per week to fulfilling the duties outlined in the job description, including a minimum of 3 hours (9:30am – 12:30pm) each Sunday. Other working hours and days are flexible and can be structured according to the mutual benefit of the Pastor and the Director of Christian Education. Click here to learn more and apply: https://calvaryarlington.org/director-of-christian-education-job-opening/

Additional Information: https://calvaryarlington.org

Organist/Choir Director, Part-Time/Other, Episcopal: Weymouth, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

The Church of the Holy Nativity in Weymouth, an Episcopal Church, is searching for an Organist/Choir Director to provide music and direct choir for the 10 am Holy Eucharist service on Sundays and other special services. Familiarity with Episcopal worship is preferred but we will coach the right candidate. Successful candidate will rehearse the choir once weekly, work with the rector to plan the music program, and manage a small music budget. The Organist/Choir Director will be permitted to teach in the church facility and have the right of first refusal for weddings and funerals. The salary is 12,000 per year with 4 paid vacation Sundays and 2 paid sick Sundays and rehearsals per year. The choir is small, dedicated, and faithful. The church congregation values music and singing. The organ is an Allen renaissance and there is a Baldwin baby grand piano in the sanctuary. Come help us grow our music program.
Please direct inquires and submit resumes to rectorholynativity@gmail.com
Church of the Holy Nativity 8 Nevin Rd. S. Weymouth MA 02190 781-335-2030

Additional Information:

http://www.holynativityweymouth.org/

https://www.facebook.com/ChurchWeymouth

Lead Presbyter for Transformation, Part-Time, PCUSA: Boston, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

The Presbytery of Boston seeks a Lead Presbyter for Transformation.
Resumes and contact information for 3 references must be submitted by June 15 to Beverly Shank, Chair of Presbytery of Boston Personnel Committee at pob.budgetttaskforce@gmail.com
Proposed start date is August 5. Compensation $50,000 - 25 hrs/wk

The Presbytery of Boston is a membership of 20 churches and 5 fellowships and new worshiping communities in eastern Massachusetts. We seek to grow in our confidence to do the ministry of Jesus Christ in our communities. Beginning in 2024, the Presbytery of Boston is embarking on a 3-year visioning and planning process and has created the position of the Lead Presbyter for Transformation to assist us as we discern how God is leading us to function in the world today. This leader will listen to our concerns, help us to envision new ways of relating to one another, seek out pathways to create leaders for tomorrow and live their faithful call in Christ. Working collaboratively with our Stated Clerk, Moderator, Council, and presbytery staff, they will help us envision a structure that supports and increases the vitality of our congregations and mission. They will vision in partnership with our staff and colleagues in the Presbyteries of Southern New England and Northern New England as we consider shared ministry, and where needed, to the greater denomination. Three years from now, we will be excited to see increased zeal across New England Presbyterians and a clear and sustainable mission plan for the Presbytery of Boston.

Duties
Our Lead Presbyter for Transformation will be responsible to work in these three areas:
Faith Leadership and Pastoral Presence. They will...
● Visit, support, and counsel congregations and clergy in our Presbytery, providing an approachable presence that invites collaboration.
● Facilitate conversations to envision, identify and synthesize the vision and growth present within fellowships, new worshiping communities, congregations, clergy and members.
● Model faith leadership that inspires us to become disciples and help us continue to grow into the Body of Christ.
● Help us foster healthy and collegial relationships throughout the Presbytery.
● Attend and participate in Presbytery Assemblies.
● Serve, when appropriate, along with Moderator, Clerk of Session, and Council, as a colleague
with other governing bodies of the denomination and in ecumenical, inter-religious, and community affairs.
System and Process Orientation. They will...
● Help us evaluate and modify our structures to become more responsive to the needs of our churches and our new worshiping communities.
● Help us identify processes, systems and structures that helps establish a just and equitable fellowship within our diverse body.
● Help us build communication systems in the Presbytery that allow our members to grasp our shared vision and to connect with our leaders through electronic means, as well as personal contact.
● Help us identify strengths and uniquely innovative aspects to sustain, as an individual or merged presbytery.
Leadership Development. They will...
● Help us identify and equip Presbytery leaders for our future (suitable for the Presbytery’s structure).
● Facilitate strategic planning discussions for the future for this Presbytery, and how we might collaborate with other Presbyteries.
● Counsel Presbytery teams and committees, in collaboration with Stated Clerk, Moderator and Council.

Qualifications Required
1. An ordained minister or ruling elder within the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
2. A lively, Christ-centered faith and spirituality with the capacity to help form faith leaders in our Presbytery.
3. Experience in middle body governance or serving in interim-role is preferred.
4. Ability to bring vision and imagination for faithful innovation.
5. Capacity to juggle multiple demands and administrative needs in a complex system.
6. The heart of a pastor to listen, communicate, and help us to be a united people of Christ.
7. Ability to work with us, providing pastoral care and leadership. This will require good self-differentiation and professional boundaries.

Compensation Package: $50,000 with benefits at 25 hours/wk (.0.625 FTE ).
Standard Elements for All Exempt, Supervisory Positions
The Lead Presbyter for Transformation must be able to attend denominational events/workshops when appropriate. Job descriptions are intended to be guidelines for position responsibilities. As such, each employee of the Presbytery may be asked to perform tasks outside of the duties outlined in this document. The Lead Presbyter for Transformation may be assigned to tasks and projects as necessary in order to support the vision and mission directions of the organization.

Evaluation and Review
This position will report to The Council of the Presbytery of Boston and be reviewed and evaluated annually by the Personnel Committee in accordance with the Personnel policies of the Presbytery.
This is a three-year position that has been created to help us to become more vital and to attain greater energy and connections. Our working plan outlines the following:
● After two years evaluate work completed to date to determine if goals have been met (or are in line to be met within the next year.)
● If more time is needed, and both parties are in agreement, the contract can be extended beyond three years.
● If the goals are mostly accomplished (or in line to be) the Presbytery will create the next goals for our Presbytery.

In Conclusion
We pray God’s presence and grace upon the Presbytery of Boston and on our Lead Presbyter for Transformation. Through our joint efforts and growing faith, may God’s will be done.
This Presbytery is an equal opportunity employer and this position is an equal employment opportunity.

The unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the rich diversity of the Church’s membership. In Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God unites persons through baptism regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography, or theological conviction. There is therefore, no place in the life of the Church for the discrimination against any person. The Presbytery Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership. No member shall be denied participation or representation for any reason other than stated in this Constitution. (F-1.0403)

Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry, Part-Time, UU: Quincy, MA

By sthalum May 28th, 2024 in Job Postings

Job Description for
Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DRE&FM)
United First Parish Church (UFPC), Unitarian Universalist, in Quincy, MA

Position Summary
United First Parish Church (UFPC) of Quincy, Massachusetts, seeks a dynamic, energetic, part-time Director of Religious Education and Family Ministry (DRE&FM) to lead our Spirit Circle Lifespan Religious Education Program, and to nourish and support a thriving multigenerational religious community. We encourage candidates to bring their creativity and imagination to the position.

The DFM serves an average of 20 hours per week from August 15 - June 30 (.48 FTE). Work can be done in a combination of onsite and remote settings. The position includes working approximately 20-33 Sundays in September - June. Significant portions of the job description will be adapted based on the number of Sundays the DRE&FM is available. We are an equal opportunity employer and abide by UUA Fair Compensation Guidelines.

Congregational Context:
United First Parish Church is a welcoming and theologically diverse spiritual community with a history that stretches back to 1636. Our small, kind, and caring congregation is committed to spiritual growth, creative expression, freedom of thought, and social justice. Our multigenerational community of around 100 adult members includes approximately 10 families with children and teenagers. Also known as “Church of the Presidents,” we are open for historic tours seven months of the year. UFPC is located in the heart of Quincy Center and is accessible by public transportation via the Red Line, commuter rail, and bus. Please note, our historic building is not ADA compliant, though it is wheelchair accessible.

Spirit Circle Religious Education Model
Since September 2022 we have been experimenting with a “Spirit Circle Lifespan Religious Education Program.” In this model, we have had a team of paid Spirit Circle Instructors who teach our mixed-age Sunday morning children’s program once a month, supported by one volunteer. Instructors have specialized in music, earthcare, mindfulness, art, and Tai Chi. Spirit Circle Instructors also provide periodic programming for adults. We have a youth group that meets approximately twice a month with a focus on social service projects and social events. We have one or more special multigenerational events a month including periodic field trips organized by religious education staff and volunteers.

Having a Spirit Circle Instructor team creates flexibility for how many Sundays the DRE&FM need be present. We have two ways to structure the DRE&FM position going forward:

In Option A, where a DRE&FM is able to be present 33 Sundays in September - June (off one Sunday a month), Spirit Circle Instructors would provide programming for children once or twice a month and the balance of the Spirit Circle Instructor budget can be spent providing adult and multigenerational programming.

In Option B, where a DRE&FM is able to be present 20 Sundays in September - June (working two Sundays a month), Spirit Circle Instructors would provide programming for children two to three times a month and the DRE&FM would be responsible for creating a larger portion of adult and multigenerational programming. Through this option we are open to working with a DRE&FM who also serves another congregation.

Relationships
Reports to the Minister
Hires, supervisors and supports Spirit Circle Instructors
Recruits, trains, and supports Spirit Circle volunteers
Supervises and supports Sunday morning childcare staff
Works collaboratively with the Religious Education Committee, Minister(s), and other committees as opportunity arises
Serves the children, youth, and families of the religious education program, and the greater multigenerational mission of the congregation
Forms collegial connections with other religious educators and joins the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA)

Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Religious Education Committee, and Minister, the DRE&FM manages and directs all religious education programs for children and youth, coordinates religious education programs for adults, and supports multigenerational community events. Listed below are specific duties involved. They are not all-inclusive and may include others.

Spirit Circle: Lifespan Religious Education Program
Creates and adapts lesson plans from available Unitarian Universalist curricula and resources, especially theme based ministry resources from Soul Matters Sharing Circle
Serves as a lead Spirit Circle Instructor on Sunday mornings approximately two to three times a month
In partnership with the Religious Education Committee, supports Spirit Circle Instructors in designing and leading Sunday programming on their Sundays
Recruits, trains, supports, and supervises volunteers
Prepares and arranges curricula, supplies, and classrooms, as needed
Coordinates periodic field trips or service projects for children or youth
Supports the youth group and youth group advisors
In collaboration with the Minister and Spirit Circle Instructors, and volunteers, coordinate periodic adult religious education workshops or classes throughout the year

Multigenerational Programming and Family Engagement
In collaboration with the Religious Education, Congregational Life, and Social Justice Action Committee, coordinate approximately five multigenerational events a year. These could include social service projects, field trips, potlucks, etc.
Greets, orients, and connects with visiting families
Supports and empowers families as primary religious educators

Worship
Gives the Message for All Ages during Sunday morning worship approximately once - twice a month
Collaborates with the Minister and Religious Education Committee to create six to seven multigenerational worship services a year including a Water Ceremony (September), Winter Holiday service (December), and Flower Communion service (June)

Administration
Develop goals for the Spirit Circle religious education program, in collaboration with the RE Committee and Minister
Maintains RE registration and attendance records
Manages, assesses, and reviews religious education budget and spending
Meets with the Minister weekly, the full staff monthly, and other staff as needed
Meets regularly with, and fosters the leadership of, the Religious Education Committee
Supports and implements Safe Congregations and religious education policies
Attends monthly Board of Governors meetings

Communications
Maintains and nurtures strong relationships with families and volunteers
Communicates with and supports staff and volunteers as needed
Provides Spirit Circle lifespan religious education announcements for publication in the weekly email and order of service announcements, monthly newsletter, and weekly email blasts to the RE families and volunteers
Oversees the religious education section on congregational website, in collaboration with the Communication Committees and staff
Writes brief monthly Board reports and annual reports

Qualifications
Experience with Unitarian Universalism, or liberal religious community preferred
Willingness to proactively familiarize oneself with Unitarian Universalist traditions and educational resources
Bachelor’s degree, or experience, in education, religion, community organizing, the arts, social work, non-profit management, or related field
Experience working with children and families
Experience supervising volunteers
Strong organizational and administrative skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills in working with all ages
Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, computer software skills including Google Drive, MS Word, Zoom, Dropbox, Breeze Church Management Software, and other software skills as needed

Compensation and Benefits
Start Date: August or September 2024 (date to be negotiated)
Position: 20 hours/week, 45 weeks/year
Salary: $22,500 - $24,000 based on experience and the UUA guidelines for Geo Index 6.
Limited Benefits: Access to UUA Health & Dental Insurance, Retirement, Life and LTD; $1,000 benefits stipend, and $1,000 in professional expenses, 10 days paid vacation, and flexible work schedule.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to: United First Parish Church, Attn: DRE Search Committee, 1306 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169; fax: 617-773-7499; or email office@ufpc.org. In your cover letter, please state how many Sundays you are hoping to work (see “Spirit Circle Religious Education Model” above). Applications will be reviewed upon submission.

Additional Information: https://ufpc.org/job-openings