Alumni News
Lead Presbyter for Transformation, Part-Time, PCUSA: Boston, MA
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
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
BUSTH Publishes Annual FOCUS Magazine for 2024
The Boston University School of Theology is pleased to announce the 2024 publication of its annual scholarly magazine, focus. The magazine’s theme this year is theological humility, and the issue raises the question of how to equip theologically humble faith leaders in the current landscape. The magazine features close-ups on faculty promotions, creating a more welcoming church, preparing the next generation of preachers, and thought-provoking articles written by alumni, students, and faculty. The featured sermon was preached by assistant professor of ethics Peng Yin at the first community worship service of the 2023-24 academic year.
Any questions about the magazine can be directed to sthcomm@bu.edu.
Read the full magazine here.
BUSTH celebrates Class of 2024
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the Boston University School of Theology held its annual convocation ceremony and celebrated one of its most diverse classes ever. Friends and families of the graduates gathered in person at Marsh Chapel for the hooding and diploma ceremony, and many more were able to watch live online (see recording below). 116 students were named as candidates for graduation in the program bulletin, and 93 received their diplomas in person. This year, the School graduated its largest-ever Doctor of Ministry class with 17 graduates.
“It is good to be here in this time of great celebration as we celebrate this amazing class of graduates,” Dean G. Sujin Pak said to applause from attendees. “I extend a special welcome to family and friends, partners and mentors, who have come near and far. Indeed, this is your celebration, too.”
Professor Emeritus Walter E. Fluker (’88) delivers 2024 BU Baccalaureate Address
The following is an excerpt from BU Today’s article ““We Are Called, My Friends, to Be Peacemakers,” Rev. Walter E. Fluker Tells Boston University’s Baccalaureate Audience” by Rich Barlow published on May 19, 2024, featuring Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor Emeritus of Ethical Leadership Walter E. Fluker.
...
Addressing the hundreds gathered in Marsh Chapel, Fluker (GRS’88, STH’88, Hon.’24), Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor Emeritus, of Ethical Leadership at BU’s School of Theology, warned of today’s “potential for madness—moral, spiritual, psychological, collective chaos,” evidenced in the “social and geopolitical” strife engulfing the United States, the Middle East, Latin America, and other nations.
To leaven any sense of doom, Fluker sang and then led the congregation in a brief, impromptu hymn, “There’s Hope for This World.” Fulfilling that hope, he continued, requires following the embrace of “holy madness” by the late BU professor and Holocaust survivor/chronicler Elie Wiesel (Hon.’74)—the insistence on human rights in a world that often denies them.
...
Prof. Nicolette Manglos-Weber writes about BU Graduate Workers Union strike in The Christian Century
The following is an excerpt from the article “What's behind the grad student strike at Boston University?” by Associate Professor of Religion and Society Nicolette Manglos-Weber, published on May 16, 2024 by The Christian Century. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Boston University School of Theology, its employees, faculty, or students.
For the past several weeks, hundreds of graduate student workers at Boston University, where I am on the faculty, have been on strike. The strike follows several years of union organizing—and a much longer history of frustration with the failure of grad worker pay and benefits to keep up with the cost of living.
Given that I work for a theology school and seminary attached to a private university, one might assume that my biggest existential concerns have to do with ideological polarization or church decline. But those are not the things that keep me up at night. Rather, my daily work of teaching, writing, and administration is shaped by worry for the bodily wellbeing of students. They face both the grind of academic pressure and the weight of material poverty. While current discourse focuses on ideological conflict on university campuses, students face more mundane threats as well: threats of creeping exploitation.
...
BUSTH Announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for May 2024
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications and scholarly presentations for May 2024:
- Eunil David Cho
-
"Chaplaincy Education: Exploring Creative Collaboration," Journal of Pastoral Theology 34, no. 1 (2024): 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1080/10649867.2024.2342047
-
-
Rebecca Copeland (presentation)
-
Edward L. Mark Lecture at Harvard-Epworth UMC on April 28, 2024: “Entangled Being, Unoriginal Sin, & Recovering the Christian Practice of Repentance for Systemic Evils"
-
- Christopher Evans ('85) (presentation)
-
“The Social Gospel: The Heart of Progressive Christianity.” at St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City on May 5th, 2024.
-
- James McCarty
-
“From Service to Solidarity: On the (Im)Possibilities of Liberative Service-Learning,” Religion & Education (2024), 1–19. doi:10.1080/15507394.2024.2346055
-
- Steven J. Sandage, et al
-
Sandage, S.J., & Stein, L.B. (2024). Mindfulness and other virtues in the development of intercultural and interreligious competence. Mindfulness. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02372-z
-
- Nimi Wariboko
-
Lifemaking: Political Philosophy for Human Flourishing in African Perspective. State University of New York Press, 2024.
-
Kálábárí Témétéín Ékwen (Bantu Edition). Noirledge Publishing, 2024.
-
The Mind of African Strategists: A Study of Kalabari Management Practice. Paperworth Books Limited, 2024.
-
“Religious Studies Whither and Why: Deeper Move into the Sacred,” Religious Studies Review, Vol. 50, no. 1 (April 2024): 43-47.
-
Benno van den Toren, Joseph Bosco Bangura, and Richard Seed, Is Africa Incurably Religious? Secularization and Discipleship in Africa. Missiology: An International Review, 52 (2), 234-235. https://doi.org/10.1177/00918296241227732
-
- Karen Westerfield Tucker (presentation)
-
Presentation for the “Feast of Creation and the Mystery of Creation” Conference in Assisi, Rome, March 14-17.
-
- Claire Wolfteich
-
“Sabbath Stillness: Thoughts of a Lingering God,” Spiritus: A Journal in Christian Spirituality 24 (2024): 146-159. https://doi.org/10.1353/scs.2024.a924578
-
Shively T. J. Smith promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
The Boston University School of Theology is pleased to announce the promotion of Shively T. J. Smith to Associate Professor of New Testament as of spring 2024. Prof. Smith joined BUSTH in 2018, and in 2023 was announced as the inaugural director of the Doctor of Philosophy program. As a New Testament scholar, Smith writes and teaches on all the books of the New Testament, with a focus on the Book of Peter, diaspora studies, hermeneutics, Womanist and African American biblical interpretation, and theologian Howard Thurman. Her most recent works include her publication Interpreting 2 Peter through African American Women's Moral Writing and her vocal recording of Revelation for The People's Book.
In a letter to the community, Dean G. Sujin Pak offers these words of congratulations to Prof. Smith: “We applaud your pioneering scholarship, innovative teaching, institutional assessment work on behalf of theological education, and guild leadership. I am grateful for the multiple ways you share your beautiful gifts with students and colleagues on behalf of [the School of Theology], BU, the church, and the academy.”
Prof. Christopher Evans (’85) speaks on The Social Gospel: The Heart of Progressive Christianity
Professor of History of Christianity and Methodist Studies Christopher Evans was the featured speaker for the May 5, 2024 The Forum at St. Bart’s episode produced by St. Bartholomew's Church New York. During this talk, he spoke about the late 19th century and early 20th century Christianity in America and how the Social Gospel movement continues to shape American Christianity through today.
“If I were to summarize the Social Gospel as a historical movement,” began Prof. Evans, “it came into being largely through the circumstances of industrialization, the changes that were taking place in the United States with immigration, with the wealth inequalities that were being exacerbated by industrial capitalism.”
BUSTH announces 2024 Student Leadership Awards
On Thursday, May 9, the BUSTH community gathered to celebrate the graduating class of 2024 and to announce the Student Leadership Awards. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Bryan Stone, and Interim Associate Dean for Students and Community Life Nicolette Manglos-Weber awarded 15 outstanding students certificates reflecting their extraordinary contributions to the School and their fellow students.
Award Title |
Description |
Awardee |
| Belonging & Justice | Awarded to an outstanding student who has made significant contributions to fulfilling the School of Theology’s stated commitment to being a place that celebrates cultural diversity, creates an inclusive environment for all members of the STH community, and/or furthers racial justice, gender justice, disability justice, and/or justice for other minoritized communities at the School of Theology | Claudia Alvarez Hurtado |
| Chaplaincy Leadership | Awarded to a graduating student who has exhibited outstanding promise in the work of chaplaincy | Patrice Rose, Ben Harney |
| Community Life and Fellowship | Community life awards are given to students across residential master’s programs, the PhD program, and online and hybrid programs at STH. Awardees will be graduating students who model leadership within the social and/or academic life of the STH community | Madison Chau, Rebekah Neuberger, Emily Padgett, Barbara Welling Hall |
| Interfaith Leadership | Awarded to an outstanding student who has exercised transformative leadership toward making the School of Theology a place where people across religious traditions are included and their gifts nurtured | Seigen Johnson |
| International Student Leadership | Awarded to an international student who has exercised leadership in building community among international students and/or between international and domestic students | Philip Kirui |
| Justice, Advocacy, and Community Engagement Beyond BU | Awarded to a student who has provided outstanding service to and leadership in the work of social justice in the communities of Boston, New England, and/or globally | Shea Thompson |
| Methodist/Wesleyan Spirituality | Awarded to a graduating student from a Wesleyan tradition who has embodied the spirit of Wesleyan spirituality at the School of Theology and/or is a promising leader in the broader Wesleyan fellowship of churches | Eric Falley, Adam McAllister |
| Doctor of Ministry Leadership | Awarded to a graduating DMin student who has provided leadership in cultivating community among DMin students and modeled the transformative leadership that is the signature of STH's DMin program | Mary Brown, Dana Gonsal |
| Pastoral Leadership | Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated extraordinary promise in the work of pastoral care | Amber Jogie |