Alumni News
Doctor of Ministry student Joanne Hus (’22) featured in Vineyard Gazette
The following is an excerpt from The Vineyard Gazette article “For Oak Bluffs Pastor, God’s Call Came as a Surprise” featuring doctor of ministry student Joanne Hus, published on January 31, 2024. Click here to read the full article.
Nearly two years after receiving her master’s degree in divinity from the Boston University School of Theology, Rev. Joanne Hus still marvels at the fact she’s wearing a clerical collar.
Her resolutely non-religious parents never even celebrated Easter, Ms. Hus told the Gazette during an interview at the parish hall of the United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs, where she became pastor last July.
“It’s so weird to me that I’m here,” Ms. Hus said, smiling as she recalled the journey that led her to Christianity in her early 30s, the theological seminary in her late 50s and a Martha’s Vineyard pulpit for her first appointment.
Leader, Full-Time, Humanist/American Ethical Union: St. Louis, MO
Opportunity
The Ethical Society of St. Louis is seeking a full-time Leader, comparable to a senior minister/pastor/rabbi.
Who We Are
The Ethical Society of St. Louis (ESSL) is a humanist congregation, founded in 1886 and affiliated with the American Ethical Union (AEU). Our mission is to inspire ethical living by affirming the worth and dignity of every person and advocating the primacy of ethical behavior above any creed. The Ethical Society functions like a traditional religion, but our programs are non-theistic and involve no prayer or traditional religious rituals. Each Sunday morning, we hold services for adults and provide ethical education for children from preschool through high school. Our membership of about 300 adults includes people of varied backgrounds, faiths and beliefs, many of whom self-identify as humanists and consider themselves agnostic or atheist. Through careful stewardship, and out of consideration for future generations, we are financially solvent and have significant endowments. We own our building outright. In addition to gathering together on Sunday morning, our members connect with each other and with the Society’s mission through affinity groups, community gatherings, social justice initiatives, and much more. We believe in the capacity of human beings to work together to create a better world. We are an intergenerational community, providing education, inspiration, social action opportunities, support, and friendship for all stages of life.
Principal Responsibilities
- Give an engaging, inspiring, and intellectually stimulating talk, 20 – 30 minutes long, on Sunday morning, about twice monthly.
- Engage actively with the congregation and foster a sense of community and the involvement of current and new members.
- Deliver pastoral care and perform weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies.
- Represent the Ethical Society of St. Louis to the broader community.
- Provide an array of administrative functions including staff and volunteer supervision, budget development and oversight, and oversight of youth programs.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, with a preference for study in the humanities or the helping professions.
- Congregational leadership experience or leadership in a similar type of organization.
- Training, background or understanding of humanism, Ethical Culture, or comparable religious traditions.
- Leader certification or willingness to seek leader certification from the American Ethical Union.
- Experienced public speaker and excellent communicator.
Compensation
Minimum salary of $90,000 plus benefits, including housing allowance, medical insurance, self-employment offset tax, retirement contribution, and, if appropriate, relocation allowance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should provide the following:
- Letter of interest
- Resume
- A writing sample that exemplifies what you might include in a 20-30-minute Sunday morning talk
- Relevant video links, if available
- Contact information for at least 4 references with an explanation of the context in which the referee knows you
Materials should be submitted to ESSLsearch24@gmail.com
Application Deadline
To be guaranteed consideration, applications are due by April 5, 2024. Applications received after that date will be considered until the position is filled.
Diversity Statement
A core value of the Ethical Society is a commitment to diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
If you have questions, please email: ESSLsearch24@gmail.com
Additional Information: https://www.ethicalstl.org/leader-search/
Dr. Xochitl Alvizo (STH’07,’15) Publishes The Emerging Church, Millennials, and Religion: Volume 2: Curations and Durations
Dr. Xochitl Alvizo (STH'07,'15) served as one of the editors for the 2022 text: The Emerging Church, Millennials, and Religion: Volume 2: Curations and Durations.
The book description states:
"Millennials and progressive Christians are continuing their work of creating alternative spaces for spiritual and religious expressions in North America. The practices and beliefs of progressive Christian movements like the emerging church and millennials, who tend toward spirituality over and against religion, have been the targets of much criticism. Yet millennials and progressive Christians continue to both curate spaces for self- and collective expression while also engaging within contexts often critical or hostile. This collection analyzes these movements from theological, religious-studies, and social-scientific perspectives to provide a more holistic view of what is taking shape in religious and spiritual trends, and it ventures to project what may lie ahead for the progressive Christianity that is emerging and enduring."
Mrs. Janet Cordes Gibson (STH ’61)
This obituary was originally posted by East Bay Times and can be found here.
Janet Gibson, our cherished mom, sister, aunt, grandma, friend, and champion, passed away on October 31, 2023. Janet was born on April 30, 1937 and grew up with her parents and older brother, Charles, in San Mateo, CA. One of her first jobs after high school was working as a waitress at the Pancake 
House restaurant where she learned to drink coffee black and to make her famous pancakes. After graduating from College of the Pacific, she attended seminary at Boston University where she met her husband, Ed Gibson. They married in 1962. As seminary students, Janet and Ed were profoundly
influenced by the teachings of theologian Howard Thurman, who was their professor and mentor at BU. One famous quote by Howard Thurman reads, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Certainly Janet lived her life by this credo as she dedicated herself passionately to that which made her "come alive" such as meeting new people, traveling to new places, joyful celebrations with family and friends, social justice, immigrant rights, nuclear disarmament, world peace and especially peace in the Middle East.
As a young couple, Janet and Ed lived in Knoxville Tennessee where they attended nonviolent social protests against segregation. Afterwards, they lived in Stuttgart, Germany and traveled around the world on their way home to California; visiting dazzling places including Jordan, Egypt, India, and Indonesia. Upon returning to the United States, they lived in Oakland, CA and attended many peace rallies to stop the Vietnam War. Throughout her life, Janet attended various marches and rallies for peace, justice, and worker rights. Most recently she attended the Climate March in Washington DC on her 80th birthday.
In 1972 Janet and Ed moved to Alameda, CA, where Janet held a job as a special education teacher. They raised their two daughters, Sylvia and Jennifer, and a few dogs and cats, in a house furnished with love. Janet worked for Alameda Unified School District for nearly three decades and, after retirement, she served two terms on the Alameda School Board. She was an active union member, valued colleague, supportive mentor, and stalwart advocate for special education students and their families. Janet also served several years as president of the Ecumenical Peace Institute board, dedicated to "embracing all faith and earth-based traditions bringing to life universal values as we seek truth, work for justice, nurture compassion and courage, reach out to each other and to our larger communities of faith and tradition, bridge the divisions that wound the human family, transform ourselves and our world through dedication to nonviolence in education, advocacy, witness and action." Additionally, Janet was involved in Alameda city politics and a member of the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society. She attended the First Congregational Church of Alameda for 40 years and loved the pride flag.
In her moments at home, with family and friends, Janet was known for her 
amazing pies, her voluminous stories, and her astute advice. She attentively supported her beloved husband Ed during his 20 year battle with Parkinson's disease. She encouraged and inspired her children and grandchildren to live healthy, enjoyable lives dedicated to the well-being of our community and world. She and her family spent summers on a quiet lake near Inlet, NYwhere she will be dearly missed by her family and community. Janet is deeply missed, yet remains a shining light in the hearts of her brother Charles and Stella Cordes, her daughters Sylvia Gibson and Jennifer Gibson, her grandchildren Ben Pineda Gibson, Soul Rees, and Eden Rees, as well as her big circle of family, especially Raymond Manna who is "like a son" to her, the whole Biehn family, and her wide sphere of friends and community. We celebrate Janet's life as a life well lived!
A celebration of Janet's life will be held on Saturday June 15, 11am-2pm at the First Congregational Church in Alameda, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Janet's honor to the Middle East Children's Alliance, www.mecaforpeace.org
Mr. Marvin “Ed” E. Gibson (STH ’61)
This obituary was originally posted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and can be found here.
August 24, 1935 - May 30, 2018
Ed Gibson lived a great life filled with family, friends, travels, dogs, cars, lawn chairs, beers, movies, poetry and books. His subtle sense of humor and compassionate heart made it easy to talk with him about everything under the sun including the deeper meanings of life. He was outwardly quiet, inwardly kind, and truly interested in the well being of people a
round him.
Ed grew up in New Hartford, NY, with his parents and little sister Julie, who always called him, "My Eddy." In 1957 he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan and then earned a Masters of Divinity at Boston University where he met his future wife, Janet. Ed and Janet first lived in Knoxville, where Ed’s campus ministry job at the University of Tennessee led to his involvement with the civil rights movement and lunch counter sit-ins to end segregation.
Between 1963-1966 Ed worked as a campus minister with international students in Stuttgart, Germany. He and Janet traveled in their red 544 Volvo to most every country in Europe. After leaving Germany, they spent four months driving to the Middle East, flying to Egypt, shipping the “544” to California, and flying eastward around the world.
Ed taught political science and government in the community colleges and local high schools, fixed cars, wrote poetry, and worked as a handyman where he began his business card with humor: “Ed Gibson, Burned-Out Teacher”. He was an engaged, playful, and loving father with his two daughters, Sylvia and Jennifer. He liked to work on cars with his adopted son, Ray. He played tennis with his best friend, Marvin, and could often be found reading a book or writing poetry on the front porch.
At age 60, Ed was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He was the embodiment of courage as he faced discomforts without complaint, always working with the range of mobility he had, to do the most he could. He loved to spend time with his brother and sister-in-law, Chuck & Stella Cordes; with his three grandchildren Ben, Soul and Eden; and extended family and friends. Every summer Ed could be found on the porch of his Limekiln Lake “camp” in the Adirondacks, where friends stopped by to visit. Ed's gentle nature and kind spirit made it easy to care for him at home until the end of his life. He was so thankful for his loving and capable caregivers, Marilou, Kalo, and Aurele. He was 82 years old when he died and he enjoyed the ride of life even on this last day.
He lives on in our hearts.
Ed’s Poetry:
Feet On Rail
Feet on rail, glass in hand,
I’m a porch rocking spectator
Trying to understand.
Trying to comprehend
The meaning of life:
My dog, my friends,
My teenagers and my wife.
Every Dream
Every dream must be paid for with a portion of the heart,
For it is the heart which dreams, which imagines some reality
And when reality is reached, a sliver of the heart is chipped off
Only to grow again in another dream which may become reality.
Reverend Vernon L. Lee (STH ’57)
This obituary was originally posted by Schepp Family Funeral Homes can be found here.
Vernon LaMont “Bonky” Lee Jr., 92, went to his heavenly home Sunday, December 10, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born March 27, 1931 to Vernon L. Lee and Ruth G. Lee. Vernon graduated from high school in Herkimer, New York and received his bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama from Syracuse University in 1954. Vernon subsequently obtained his Masters in Theology from Boston University, School of Theology in 1957.
As a Methodist pastor, in the Central New York Conference he served churches in Wakins Glenn, First Church Syracuse, Trinity Auburn, Geneva, and Christ Church Elmira. In later years he became district superintendent for Elmira, and subsequently conference executive. He completed his active ministry at the United Methodist Church in Fayetteville New York.
Vernon married his loving wife, Marcia L. Heath, 6 days after graduating Syracuse University in June 1954 in Fulton, New York. Vernon and Marcia spent their 69 years of wedded bliss giving back to their community, with special ties to Camp Casowasco, and Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. Vernon was an active Rotarian for 63 years and an active trustee of Syracuse University.
Vernon’s favorite places to relax with family and friends were “The Cottage” on Owasco Lake, and “Loons Rising”, the Lee family camp on Lake Rondax, in the Adirondacks. He was well known as a wordsmith, with a gift for acrostics, and a well-loved wry sense of humor. Vernon’s love of family was matched only by his love of the Syracuse University Orange. He enjoyed every game with the vigor befitting only that of a true Orangeman.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia; their two children, Timothy Heath Lee (Kimberly Stoppert) and Amy Beth-Lee Wagenblatt (John); and four grandchildren, Jessica L. Wagenblatt (Brian Changlai), Jenna L. Wagenblatt (Benjamin Coscia), Aidan N. Lee, Evan M. Lee; and one great-grandchild, Wesley John-Paul Wagenblatt-Coscia.
Pastoral Minister, Full-Time, Quaker: Greensboro, NC
Pastoral Minister Job Opening
New Garden Friends Meeting, Greensboro, NC
New Garden Friends Meeting, steeped in Quaker tradition since its founding in 1754, is a progressive, open and affirming faith community, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Our meeting emphasizes peace, social justice, and the belief that there is that of God in everyone. We are seeking a full-time pastoral minister to provide leadership through inspired preaching, compassionate pastoral care, strong support of our community service and social justice efforts, enablement for our members and attenders as partners in ministry, and support and guidance for staff. Our community values the Quaker belief in continuing revelation and welcomes light from many sources and spiritual traditions, including, but not limited to, Christianity and the Bible. Warmth and humor are appreciated in our faith family. A parsonage or a housing allowance is available. Salary, if it includes a housing allowance, will range between $70,000 and $90,000 and will be based on a candidate’s qualifications and experience. Additional compensation in the form of a benefits package, and relocation expenses will also be provided.
Membership in the Religious Society of Friends is preferred, but not required. If you are an experienced Quaker or Quaker-friendly pastoral minister and are interested in becoming an integral part of our community, please send a resume/ profile, a one-page statement of faith, and a cover letter to NGFMSearch@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2024 or until the position is filled. For more information about New Garden Friends Meeting, please visit ngfm.org/founded1754 .
NGFM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination in employment because of race, color, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected category.
Profile
New Garden Friends Meeting
Greensboro, North Carolina
New Garden Friends is a Quaker Meeting with 300 members and active attenders. The average weekly attendance is approximately 110. Ours is an aging congregation eager to include more young families.
The Meeting is located in Guilford County (pop. 546,000 in 2022) in the Piedmont region of north central North Carolina. The Meeting, established in 1754, anchors a community of Quaker institutions: Guilford College, Friendship Friends Meeting, Friends Homes retirement community, New Garden Cemetery Association, and New Garden Friends School (K-12). The Meeting maintains dual memberships in Friends United Meeting and Friends General Conference. In addition to the settled pastor, New Garden employs two other full-time staff members: an Office Manager and a Religious Education Coordinator. We also employ several part-time staff members: a Visitation Pastor, Music Minister, Organist/Pianist, Communication Assistant, Childcare Providers, and a Custodian.
The resource of the meetinghouse is used throughout the week to house other ministries such as office space for American Friends Service Committee, Siembra NC, and a play group for home-schooled children in the community.
Much of the work of the Meeting is shared by members through various committees which include: Religious Education, House, Grounds, Finance and Stewardship, Peace and Social Concerns, and Quaker Relations. New Garden has a Meeting for Ministry and Counsel, which partners with the Pastoral Minister in providing spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and worship planning.
Each First Day begins with a small, unprogrammed meeting (approximately a dozen attendees), and is followed by a larger semi-programmed meeting. The first half of the semi-programmed meeting for worship includes congregational singing, readings, special music, and a prepared message. The second half consists of open worship, during which members and attendees are welcome to share vocal ministry, as led by the Spirit. During the pandemic, New Garden began a hybrid ministry which enables members who cannot attend in person to participate remotely.
Our community deeply values the traditional Quaker testimonies and belief in “continuing revelation.” We welcome Light from many sources and spiritual traditions, including, but not limited to, Christianity and the Bible. New Garden has a strong commitment to social justice and works for peace, racial equity, environmental justice, and supports the immigrant and LBGTQ+ communities. New Gardeners join with others in the larger Greensboro community and world by working with and funding international, national, and local organizations such as AFSC, FCNL, FCNCL, QUNO, RSWR, Greensboro Urban Ministries, and Meals on Wheels.
New Garden Friends Meeting is blessed with the resources needed to carry us where the Spirit leads in this next chapter.
updated 1-11-24
Director of Church Music, Part-Time, UU: Newburyport, MA
The First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist (FRSUU) in Newburyport, MA seeks an accomplished organist/pianist and choral director with church experience and excellent interpersonal skills to help FRSUU’s music program continue to grow and flourish. This is a congregation who loves music and looks forward to the continuing development of a diverse and eclectic music ministry.
The Director of Church Music (DCM) is responsible for directing all aspects of the church’s music program. The DCM serves as organist/pianist and director of the Adult Choir and is expected to enhance the adult music offerings, cultivate volunteer musicians within the congregation, and create a program that includes diverse musical styles and expression through programming and outreach to the larger musical community. Music is an essential part of our spiritual life. Enriched with many active musicians within the congregation, our music program serves to deepen our spirituality, maintains a high musical quality, and supports and nurtures people of all musical abilities. As a highly visible performance space in the center of this historic town, the 450+ member church considers its music program to be an important outreach to the community. The church is home to a historic 1834 Joseph Alley two-manual organ.
The Director of Church Music is a 0.5 FTE position (approximately 20 hours per week). FRSUU is a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Fair Compensation Congregation and follows their recommended policies on salary ranges for a church of our size and location and the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. Participation in special services such as weddings and memorial services will be separately compensated. FRS offers a generous program of benefits, including paid vacation, retirement benefits, life insurance, and participation in the FRS health, dental, and long-term disability programs.
Full job description and posting:
https://www.frsuu.org/employment-opportunities/
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Anticipated Start Date: Between July 15 and August 1, 2024
FRSUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of Color, LGBTQ+, women, and members of other historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Global Mission Intern, Full-Time, Disciples of Christ & United Church of Christ
Position: Global Mission Intern
Global Ministries is the common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Our two denominations have a formal partnership through which Disciples Overseas Ministries and the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries share common staff, budget, programs/projects, and governance in our presence and witness with international partners throughout the global community.
Global Ministries works with approximately 250 partners in close to 90 countries. We join hands with international partners and walk together in mutual love and respect with our siblings around the world. Partners include local churches, denominations, councils of churches, health and human service organizations, educational institutions, human and civil rights organizations.
The Global Mission Intern program invites young adults (ages 21 – 30) to challenge yourself in a one to three-year international mission service opportunity. As you offer yourself in service, you will also learn more about yourself, your relationship with God, and your place in God’s world.
As a Global Mission Intern, you will have:
1. A cross-cultural mission assignment which enables you to share your gifts and skills with partner churches and church agencies around the world.
2. An opportunity to develop your leadership skills and vocational
interests in overseas ministry, pastoral ministry or other vocations.
3. An opportunity to learn a second language.
4. An opportunity to enhance your world view, especially the reality of young adults living in other countries around the world.
6. An opportunity for a life-changing adventure.
7. An opportunity for spiritual development and formation
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:
21 – 30 years old
General knowledge of Global Ministries
Good written communication skills
Conscientious of attendance and punctuality.
Commitment to a performance that meets expectations
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, exercising initiative with appropriate follow through.
Ability to handle a variety of issues and personalities with tact and courtesy
Openness, flexibility, and adaptability to intercultural settings
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, and resume to: the Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell, International Recruitment and Training Coordinator, at jsdarnell@dom.disciples.org.
Zoom Host, Gig (Paid Per Appearance), UU: West Roxbury, MA
Zoom Host
Theodore Parker Church (West Roxbury) is seeking a high school graduate/college student familiar with Zoom and its most used features, plus familiarity with sound equipment, to host our worship services. Hours are Sundays, 10 am-noon, early September-late June. $75 per service. This is an on-site (not remote) position. See the complete job description here.
Theodore Parker Church is an equal opportunity employer. To apply, please email a resume and short letter of introduction to our congregational administrator at office@tparkerchurch.org.