Alumni News
Reverend Jack Amick (’06) Shares about UMCOR’s Work
The following is an excerpt from the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church article “UMCOR Changes Hearts and Transforms Lives” by Kay Demoss, published on June 25, 2024. Click here to read the full article.
"The Rev. Jack Amick grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “My eyes were opened to the world as a child in Dixboro United Methodist Church,” he recalls. Amick remembers Dixboro’s “farm widows, who ministered with healing by potluck and casseroles.” And there were “professors and folks from the University of Michigan who led Bible studies with participants seeking understanding in radical, non-binary ways.” In addition, he “heard people who traveled around the world and who shared slideshows
about international things.” Amick’s mother “would drive halfway up the state and meet Pastor John with Christmas packages” for Kewadin Indian Mission UMC. Amick says all that “imbued me with a sense of mission at a very early age.”
The Dixboro experience — “old-school mission full of relationship” — was great preparation for his future role as director of Global Migration for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Jack left the Detroit Conference in 2013 to begin his ministry with UMCOR. He remains “proud to be connected with Michigan,” a conference that is “way forward” in its support of the work of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)."
Reverend David Watkins (’86)
This obituary was originally posted by Scranton Times-Tribune and can be found here.
The Rev. David Watkins, 77, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024.
Born on May 4, 1947, David was the son of the late David Watkins and Sylvia Holliday Watkins. He graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School in 1966, was a United States Army veteran during Vietnam, earned an associate's degree from Keystone College in 1971, and received a bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology from 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1975. In 1980, David entered the ministry and received a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in 1985.
David dedicated his life to serving God and others as an ordained United Methodist pastor. His pastoral journey included devoted service to several congregations including St. Matthew's, Epping Community Church, Leona/Wetona/Big Pond United Methodist Church, Calvary UMC, Mount Zion UMC and Aldersgate UMC. Throughout his ministry, David was known for his passionate leadership, deep faith and genuine care for his hundreds of parishioners. His sermons and community involvement left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In his free time, David loved to help others and spend time with his family. As often as possible, he would support his grandsons in their education at Holy Name of Jesus and Bishop McDevitt High School and their athletics such as soccer, ice hockey, football, lacrosse and wrestling. David was also a season ticket holder and loyal fan of the Hershey Bears.
David is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 54 years, Linda Watkins, and their cherished family: daughter, Sara Watkins Musti, son-in-law Stephen Musti, and grandsons, Nolan and Spencer Musti. He is also survived by his three siblings, Sylvia "Cookie" Roberts; Susan Frantanduano and her husband, Eric; and Phyllis Matz and her husband, Rick; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
David's legacy of love, faith and service will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him. He will be fondly remembered for his warmth, wisdom and unwavering dedication to his faith and family.
Reverend Kurt F. Herber (’78)
This obituary was originally posted by Cremation Society of New Hampshire and can be found here.
Kurt Frederick Herber, born 10-21-1946 in Newton, MA, to Roland and Barbara (Egan) Herber, was a graduate of Natick High School, class of 1964. He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology (ASEE), Lowell Technological Institute (B.S.), Boston University School of Theology (M. Div.).
He was ordained in the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ in 1980. He specialized in professional interim ministry, being among the first group certified by the Interim Ministry Network. His further training included family systems theory and crisis intervention, which he applied to the institutional church, especially following clergy misconduct. He served United Church of Christ, United Methodist, and Disciples of Christ churches in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine for over thirty years.
Kurt’s greatest love was his family, especially his two sons, Jotham Matthew of Peterborough, NH, and Darius Mark of Bourne, MA. He is also survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Herber of Gilford, NH and his daughter-in-law Carolina Posada of Peterborough, NH.
Condolences can be sent to the Herber Family at 11 West Ridge Drive in Peterborough, NH.
Donations can be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/or the Nature Conservancy at https://www.nature.org/en-us/
Reverend Kenneth B. “Brad” Campbell (’63)
This obituary was originally posted by Lowell Sun and can be found here.
Brad Campbell, 70, of Delaware, formerly of Chelmsford, died unexpectedly Friday, Jan. 5, at a Columbus hospital, due to pancreatitis.
He was the husband of Martha Campbell, to whom he was married for 45 years.
He was born in Greeley, Colo., March 14, 1936, son of the late Kenneth and Betsey Bradfield Campbell. He graduated from Windsor, Colo. High School, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Iliff School of Theology and Boston University School of Theology.
Rev. Campbell pastored United Methodist, United Church of Christ and independent church congregations, including Agape Chapel in Lowell.
From 1986 to 1997, he was activities director at Suburban Manor Nursing Home in Acton.
He was a member of New Life Fellowship in Concord and attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chelmsford, before relocating to Ohio in 1999.
In Ohio, Rev. Campbell founded Abraham’s Covenant Partnership, a sharing group to promote dialogue, love and support between the Jewish and Christian communities.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Peter and Sarah Campstrom of Oakhurst, Calif., Kenneth and Michelle Campbell of Burlington, Mass. and Douglas and Michele Campbell of Powell; two daughters and sons-in-law, Betsey and David Driscoll of Chelmsford, and Mary and Michael Shetler of Lowell; and 11 grandchildren.
Worship Song Leader, Part-Time/Gig (Paid Per Appearance), Episcopal: Winchester, MA
We are seeking a Worship Song Leader for our Word & Table ‘Casual’ Service of Holy Communion, held at 5pm on the first Sunday of the month October through June. This person would be invited to offer input and suggestions regarding the choice of music for each service. This relatively new offering was started two years ago, and has attracted a variety of participants: young families, seasoned ‘regulars’ from our Sunday morning congregation, as well as completely new faces to the parish. The service is experimental, aiding in the process of forming a new community that may be of interest to people unfamiliar with the Episcopal tradition, as well as those simply seeking a more casual or relaxed service.
Qualifications:
Proficiency in leading worship with a strong vocal ability. Capability of leading with a guitar and/or piano. Ability to improvise, and to ‘bridge’ between songs.
Basic understanding of music theory in order to communicate with band members (ability to mark and discuss chord symbols, etc.).
Experience leading group worship with a variety of musical styles (traditional hymnody, contemporary Christian, Taizé, etc.) is a plus.
Ability and willingness to encourage volunteers for service, as well as sustain and continually work to improve their collective sound.
Responsibilities:
Lead the congregation in worship and assist in directing the flow of the service.
Direct a monthly pre-service rehearsal with the worship band that both prepares for a quality performance, and develops new music to be introduced to the congregation in future services.
Ensure team members have access to the songs in advance of rehearsals and services.
Time Expectations and Fee:
This monthly service is 5-5:45pm on the first Sunday of each month, October through June. The monthly rehearsal has been roughly 3:30-4:30pm on the same afternoon, preceding each service.
We anticipate offering the Worship Song Leader $200 per service initially, and are open to increasing this as the position develops.
For more information or to arrange a conversation with Rev. Nick Myers, please contact Jeremy Bruns at:
Parish of the Epiphany
70 Church Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Phone: 781.729.1922
jbruns@3crowns.org
Musician/Choir Director, Part-Time, Episcopal: Haverhill, Massachusetts
Position Description: Musician/Choir Director
Trinity Episcopal Church, Haverhill, Massachusetts
Trinity Episcopal Church is a small, inclusive, inner-city church in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Our community has about 100 active participants, and our average Sunday attendance is about 37. We are deeply involved with our neighborhood community. Our building hosts a neighborhood nonprofit founded by the church, as well as a Montessori Preschool. Over the last three years, we have become a bilingual, bicultural community (English and Spanish). Our 10am worship service is conducted bilingually each week. We are working to build a bilingual, bicultural music program.
Music is a core part of Trinity’s identity. We have hosted organ recitals and other musical events over the years, and founded the Academy of Creative Arts at Trinity (ACAT), an afterschool arts and music program for neighborhood children hosted at the church.
The choir consists of 11 adult singers, including 7 Anglos and 4 Latinos. Historically, we have sung a wide variety of music, from Bach and classical, Gospel and contemporary. Over the last 18 months, we have been incorporating popular Spanish hymns into our service as well, often accompanied on keyboard. During the program year (September through June) the choir rehearses on Thursday nights (7-8:30) and Sunday mornings before the service (9:15-9:45). The church owns an Aeolian-Skinner organ Op 998 and a Kurzweil Keyboard SP5-8. We also have a chime of nine bells.
Our other parish staff includes our Priest-in-Charge (PIC) (half-time), Parish Administrator (half-time), Lay Assistant for Latino Ministry/Church School Director (quarter-time) and Sexton (half-time). We are also supported by many dedicated lay leaders.
Job Responsibilities
1. Be directly responsible to the Priest-In-Charge (PIC). Meet regularly with the PIC and work collaboratively to plan and lead the music program. Our main goal right now is to grow into our new identity as a bilingual, bicultural community.
2. Choosing hymns and anthem appropriate to the liturgical season and weekly lectionary texts, balancing English and Spanish/Latino language and culture.
3. Support the choir and congregation as we learn music outside of our first language and culture.
4. Work 10-15 hours per week, including work at home and/or other practice sites.
5. Be responsible for leadership of the choir.
6. Provide organ and/or keyboard music and direct the choir at the main Eucharist on Sunday and for special services: Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Week
7. Provide, as appropriate, organ and choral music for funerals, marriage liturgies, and other additional services not listed above, subject to employee's availability. In all cases these shall include stipendiary payment beyond the base salary. Such stipends shall be established as part of the annual contract.
8. Assist in the hiring of substitute musicians when the Employee is not available.
9. Purchase music and music related supplies and arrange for copyright permission fees within the ranges provided by the parish's operating budget.
10. Maintain the music library in an orderly fashion, ensuring that there are an adequate number of copies for the members of the choir. No copyrighted materials shall be photocopied or stored in an electronic retrieval system unless the required permissions have been received from and fees paid to the copyright holder.
11. Arrange for proper maintenance for the organ, keyboard, and chime.
12. Prefer music reporting to OneLicense, attending to our accounts with RiteSong and other online publishers and vendors. This is negotiable depending on skills and experience.
Skills sought
1. Experience playing organ or piano. Experience in worship settings, especially Episcopal settings, is a plus.
2. Experience directing choirs with a range of music styles and ability levels. Knowledge of voice types and strategies for inclusivity during rehearsals.
3. Fluent in English and Spanish, or fluency in one language and willingness to work at becoming fluent in both languages. This can be done as part of work hours. If desired, the parish may be able to provide instruction.
4. An excellent keyboardist and organist, or an excellent keyboardist willing to learn to the organ. This can be done as part of work hours. If desired, the parish may be able to provide instruction.
5. Ability to choose appropriate music based on themes from lessons and seasons.
6. Desire to help nurture a bilingual, bicultural community.
7. Dedication to using music to enhance and support worship.
8. Ability to collaborate with the PIC and other staff.
9. Good interpersonal skills for working with the choir and other church members.
10. Attention to good and timely communication with the PIC, staff, choir and others.
11. Reliability and punctuality in showing up for worship and rehearsals and in meeting deadlines.
The position will start as soon as possible. Although the choir only sings from September to June, the organ is played in the service throughout the whole year. Salary is $22,000, with room for flexibility depending on skills and experience.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to the Rev. Jack Clark at priest-in-charge@trinityhaverhill.org.
Additional Information: www.trinityhaverhill.org
Interim Organist/Music Director, Part-Time, UCC: Kennebunkport, ME
Reverend Dr. Patrick Reyes (’11) Installed as Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary
On June 1, 2024, Reverend Dr. Patrick Reyes ('11) was installed as Dean of Auburn 
Theological Seminary.
To read more about Reverend Dr. Reyes and his work click here.
To view Reverend Dr. Reyes' Installation Service click here.
Reverend Courtney Jones (’08) Shares Thoughts on UMC General Conference Decision
The following is an excerpt from Good Faith Media’s article “Dispatches From the United Methodist Diaspora: Remember the Struggle of What Has Been" by Courtney Jones, published on May 29, 2024.
"There is now much self-congratulatory posturing, as though this is the end of something and not the beginning. I have to imagine those who are still affiliated see the writing on the wall of a dwindling mainline denomination, with each generation more and more open to fluidity of sexual orientation and gender expression.
Beloveds in the UMC, don’t forget us who live in diaspora. Don’t forget those who were edged out or made sacrifices to stay.
Don’t let this whisper of a vote be simplified into shouts of victory. Don’t cheapen the real victory that could exist for future generations by pretending the delayed justice is someone else’s fault. Don’t let the sacrifices of those like Rev. Dr. Stroud be in vain by fooling yourself into believing that the present justifies or erases the past.
Honor the complexity of what is by remembering the struggle of what has been—not just for LGBTQ folks but for communities of color and the disability community, and and and.
Let this be only one step and do the real work of equity by having the hard conversations about what happens next."
Mrs. Betty B. Carpenter (’56)
This obituary was originally posted by Wood Funeral Home and Crematory and can be found here.
Betty Sue Carpenter passed away peacefully on Friday, June 7, 2024, of causes related to age, at home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was under the care of a thoughtful and attentive team composed of the professionals at Fairwinds, Alliance and Brio Hospice, her husband, Stuart Carpenter, and her loving family. Betty is, and will always be admired as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, United Methodist Women’s leader and dedicated Edgemont librarian.
Betty was born in 1932 in Rayville, Louisiana. Her family relocated to Natchitoches where she attended elementary school through college on a single campus. Betty found countless opportunities to explore while attending Northwestern State University, including joining Theta Sigma Upsilon, and the Purple Jackets Club (a longest-established honor club to be organized on campus) while also holding office for the Wesley Foundation, her campus’ Panhellenic council and the Davis Players (the longest-established dramatic organization on campus).
An avid reader, student and devout Methodist, she went on to complete her education with a Masters of Religious Education from Boston University in 1956. During her years in Boston, Betty held an internship in conjunction with Harvard University where she counseled other Methodist students and was destined to meet her husband and soul mate, Stuart Carpenter.
As Betty’s time in Boston was coming to an end, Stuart recognized this intelligent, remarkable, beautiful woman was who he wanted to build a future with and quickly proposed. They wed in 1956 and welcomed their first son, Ralph, in 1957. Betty and Stuart continued to enjoy honeymoon bliss as job opportunities landed them in California in 1958.
As a young mother, Betty also worked as a college youth group director in San Fernando Valley. During her time in California, Betty and Stuart grew their family by welcoming two more boys, Glen and Bruce, and two girls, Sarah and Susan.
In 1968, the family of seven transplanted to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Betty would go on to serve as the elementary school librarian for Edgemont for many years, and the couple would cherish their long life together.
In retirement, Betty and Stuart would travel the 49 continental states in their RV and devote their time and attention to their grandchildren. After years of her relishing her joys of reading, sewing, knitting, family tent camping, volunteering at her church, the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen and family, Betty and Stuart settled at Fairwinds in Idaho Falls to enjoy a life of comfort and well-deserved support.
Betty is survived by husband, Stuart; three sons, Ralph, Glen and Bruce Carpenter; two daughters, Sarah Harvey and Susan Haver; 11 grandchildren, Morgan Steacy, Kelsey Daisley, David Harvey, Eleanor Harvey, Elizabeth Baessler, Genevieve Duddy, Rachel Haver, Sarah Haver, Jack Carpenter, James Carpenter, and Madaline Carpenter; nine great grandchildren; and her brother, David H. Boydstun.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jackson Boydstun Sr.; mother, Bernice (Hill) Boydstun; sister, Nelwyn Poole; and brother, Jackson Boydstun Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024, at St. Paul's Methodist Church, 1730 St Clair Rd, Idaho Falls, ID 83404.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty's honor to the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen or a non-profit of your choice.