Alumni News
Rev. Vernon Walker (STH’16) on Climate Change in Boston Globe
This article was originally published on The Boston Globe, by Dharna Noor on January 11, 2022.
In the US, 2021 was chock full of climate extremes. Last year, the country experienced its fourth-warmest year on record and saw its second-highest number of billion-dollar weather and climate disasters on record, new federal data shows. It’s our latest evidence that the climate crisis isn’t just waiting for us in some distant future, it’s here right now.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual State of the Climate report, released Monday, found that average temperature for the contiguous United States last year was 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s 2.5 degrees above the average for the twentieth century.
The year was capped off by the hottest December the nation has seen since record keeping began in 1875. That month, the average temperature in the Lower 48 was 39.3 degrees, 6.7 degrees above average.
In New England, temperatures soared to even more abnormal heights. Maine and New Hampshire both saw their second-warmest year on record. A separate study also found that it was the third warmest year on record for Massachusetts, and that the state saw its warmest June and second warmest summer on record.
Though the year was marked by above-average temperatures, cold weather broke records, too. In February 2021, the US saw its costliest winter storm on record as a cold snap sent the Texas electricity grid into disarray. The storm carried a $24 billion economic toll. That’s more than double the cost of the previous record-bearer, the Storm of the Century in March 1993.
Other extreme weather bore even larger price tags. Hurricane Ida was the most costly event of the year, exacting a toll of $75 billion.
2021 also brought record-smashing wildfires to the West, destructive December tornadoes to Kentucky, and an array of other extreme weather events. 20 of these events cost the nation over a billion dollars in damage, which is the second-highest number on record.
“The science is clear, climate change is happening at an accelerated pace and we are seeing the effects manifest in the form of more extreme weather events.”
Reverend Vernon K. Walker, senior program manager at the Massachusetts-based group Communities Responding to Extreme Weather, said...
Read more here.
Summer 2022 Internship, Benetvision: Erie, PA
The Joan Chittister Internship is accepting applications, now through March 20. This year’s graduate student intern will work for Benetvision, promoting feminist, contemporary spirituality. This internship is designed to meet the needs of Catholic women studying in these fields, who often struggle to find meaningful ministry opportunities within their own faith tradition, but we are open to applicants from other traditions as well.
This funded internship for graduate students runs through June and July. This internship is available to women with masters’ level or higher training in theology, spirituality, religion, and related fields. She will be involved in compiling and editing newsletters and other publications from Sister Joan, designing book discussions and eCourses, and implementing a project of her own design related to contemporary spirituality and the works of Joan Chittister.
The intern will live at Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Erie, PA, with room and board provided, in addition to a stipend.
Contact Jacqueline Sanchez-Small, OSB at jacqueline@benetvision.org for more information or to apply.
Cohort Based Education Marketing, Recruiting, Admissions Manager, Full-Time, Higher Ed: South Hamilton, MA
Cohort Based Education Marketing, Recruiting, Admissions Manager
Full-Time Staff/Leadership
Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA
Under the direct supervision of the EDO of CBE, in coordination with the Vice-President of CBE/Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) Dean and Latino & Global Ministries (LGM) Dean, this position supports the mission of the Seminary by achieving new student recruitment goals for Gordon-Conwell’s Cohort-Based Education offerings: Doctor of Ministry and Latino & Global Ministries programs. This individual manages admissions and marketing operations for DMIN and LGM, including tasks related to recruiting, admitting, and enrolling new students. The Marketing, Recruiting, & Admissions Manager will strive to achieve an annual new student headcount of 80-150 for both DMIN and LGM, as determined in partnership with the VP of CBE/DMin Dean, LGM Dean, EDO of CBE and LGM Assistant Registrar & Program Manager.
Download full job description here: HAM CBE Marketing Recruiting Admissions Manager 12.21.21
Domestic Violence Advocate, Full-Time, BMC: Boston, MA
Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. It's a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all-and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet - an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.
The Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate provides a range of domestic violence victim services to both patients and employees of Boston Medical Center, as well as consultation with those working to support victims and survivors of abuse. The Advocate participates in multi-disciplinary, cross-departmental case reviews, training, and other institutional initiatives to improve the health care and employer response to domestic violence. The DV Advocate works under the supervision of the Domestic Violence Program manager.
Dr. Douglas E. Wingeier (STH’54, GRS’62), Beacon For Jesus
This article was originally published on The UMC Michigan Conference on Dec. 14, 2021, by Glenn Wagner. Full article can be found here.
The world’s need for lights that offer hopeful direction everywhere underscores a biblical truth from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:16) “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to our God in heaven.”
Choosing to live as a directional beacon for God’s love and grace can make a profound difference. This tribute to a man from Michigan, a living lighthouse for Jesus, is offered to encourage personal living as beacons for God’s love wherever we live...
Doug attended Boston University, the oldest Methodist college and seminary in the United States, to pursue his Master of Sacred Theology degree and later for his PhD. Both Doug and Carol had a passion for living out their love of Christ in mission. In preparation, Doug and Carol both studied and became fluent in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese as part of Doug’s doctoral studies and their shared preparation for missions.
Doug has served as a pastor, minister of education, and campus minister in Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin during his career...
Read the full article here.
Director of Traditional Music and Liturgy, Full-Time, UMC: Indianapolis, IN
St. Luke’s UMC is seeking a faith-filled, creative, adaptable, and energetic Director of Traditional Music and Liturgy to help cultivate the traditional worship experience through diverse and dynamic music, partnership with clergy and musicians, and creative congregational participation in liturgy and music. St. Luke’s is a progressive, inclusive congregation growing in diversity with a rich history of creativity in arts and music.
To apply, send resume to Rev. Melissa Cooper, mcooper@st.lukes.org; If possible, provide video with examples of leading music groups or performing music, leading worship or liturgy, or other relevant content to show music and worship leadership skills and experience.
Reports to: Minister of Worship and Arts
Full Time, Exempt; Excellent benefits including health insurance, retirement match, generous PTO, and relocation stipend.
Job Description
This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading musical worship in the Sanctuary on Sunday and within other worship gatherings, as well as partnering in the leadership, development and growth of the broader arts ministry in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Director of Children’s and Instrumental Music. This role will help cultivate the traditional worship experience, as a primary driver alongside pastors for the development of worship service order, liturgy and overall experience for this service and possible new service opportunities. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, teaching and team building skills, with a proven track record of creating passion and building momentum within an organization. This person should embody an innovative spirit and be someone who enjoys shaping culture, creating beauty, capturing imaginations, and deepening discipleship through worship and music.
Musical Worship at St. Luke’s A foundational belief at St. Luke’s is that liturgy is the work of the people. Each week we are offered the opportunity to participate in the liturgy and respond as a congregation to God’s work with a diversity of musical expressions. St. Luke’s seeks to further cultivate a musical worship that is intentional, cohesive and vibrant, drawing on music that offers theological richness, deep and diverse spirituality, and singable tunes. The community of St. Luke’s has many gifted musicians. This position will further cultivate their gifts individually and as groups, recruit and nurture new musicians within the congregation and from the surrounding community, as well as draw out the broader participation of our congregation in worship and arts.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent with advanced degree preferred
At least 3 years experience of leading music in a worship setting preferred
Proficiency in directing choral groups, basic keyboard skills (accomplished pianist preferred), and broad experience with a wide range of liturgical musical styles from ancient to modern, as well as multicultural musical styles and expressions
Qualifications:
A vibrant and growing faith with a desire to model this life of faith and learn from others.
Excellent skills with people, especially around sharing vision and motivating volunteers and leaders
Passion and skills to develop and work with teams (staff and volunteer)
Passion for facilitating the growth of music ministry at St. Luke’s, both broadly and deeply, into the life of the congregation and beyond
Organized with ability to prioritize time and attention, as well as to delegate tasks and share leadership as appropriate
Responsibilities:
Worship Planning & Creative Visioning (25%)
• Collaborate with pastors, staff and lay leaders to envision, plan, and evaluate worship services appropriate to the liturgical season
• In collaboration with Director of Instrumental and Children’s Music, select music that contributes to the liturgy, appropriate for the church season or worship series
• Develop full and active liturgical participation of the congregation within worship and beyond
• Work out of a variety of hymnals and music resources, incorporating traditional, modern, ancient and global music
• Recruit, equip and motivate servant ministers to use musical abilities to lead in music and worship ministry
Leading and Teaching Music (50%)
• Directing and/or accompanying weekly worship and special services (including multiple services on Sunday)
• Leading the Sanctuary Choir, including leading weekly rehearsal and fostering a community of love, support, discipleship, and joy. Within rehearsal and beyond, communicating how the music is connected to the particular worship service, liturgical season, etc.
• Leading adult vocal ensembles and soloists as needed for rehearsals, church services and other special events
• Collaborate with other directors to advocate for the inclusion and leadership of children and youth in worship and music ministries, seeking ways to nurture their musical gifts and incorporating them into worshiping life of the church
• Leading the Sanctuary Choir, ensembles, and congregation into missional opportunities within our community
• Recruits, develops and coaches vocalists for soloist opportunities and ensemble participation in worship and growing pool of talent for both, offering vocal coaching as needed for individuals or groups
• Provides coaching for choir and ensemble members on specific vocal and choral techniques
• Seeking creative ways to establish, nurture and share music as an act of discipleship or evangelism, including for example, through social media or sharing music at other church events
• Partners with Artistic Director and Director of Instrumental and Children’s Music to develop weekly services and special events, like concerts, musicals, and other special events and arts experiences.
General Leadership and Administration (25%)
• Ensure proper stewardship of the music ministries budget, musician payments, and music expenses
• Oversee the purchasing, proper maintenance and distribution of all music scores to musicians
• Oversee proper communication of music selections and worship order needed for all services and events utilizing Planning Center Online
• Oversee the proper communication of all technical needs for music ministries utilizing Planning Center Online, to communicate to both tech and facilities staff
• Create and maintain a directory of musicians
• Create a communication plan for all music ministry events and worship services partnering with Marketing department
• Promote diversity not only among volunteers, but also through selecting music that reflects the diversity of the congregation, central Florida and the diversity within the denomination and the Body of Christ, as described in St. Luke’s vision for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Worship and Arts General:
• Understand, embrace and utilize St. Luke’s mission, vision and core values to guide all creative arts and worship
• Ability to articulate and guide volunteers and programming to express annual themes
• Make connections between creative arts and worship experiences to guide participants into deeper discipleship and kingdom work
• Recruitment of volunteer teams and leadership
• Organize and lead core teams to guide all planning and implementation
• Provide spiritual leadership to volunteers, technicians, performers and musicians participating in ministries
• Awareness and concern for staff, volunteer and participant safety
• Embrace and foster virtual volunteerism – objectives that include visioning/growing virtual volunteers
• Utilize Planning Center Online for worship planning, volunteer management and communication. Maintain volunteer database and train volunteers to utilize Planning Center Online as their primary resource for scheduling and determining worship service order
• Utilize Arena database for participant and volunteer tracking and communication
• Other assigned duties at the discretion of the Minister of Worship and Arts
Dean of the Chapel, Full-Time, Higher Ed: Berea, KY
Berea College achieved national distinction as the first coeducational and interracial college in the South. With an emphasis on service to the people of Appalachia and beyond, Berea enrolls 1,600-plus students from more than 40 states and 70 countries. The College has a longstanding commitment to interracial education; here, people of different races seek to learn from and about each other, while also living together. Berea is among the most racially diverse private liberal arts colleges in the United States. It admits only students whose families are unable to afford the high cost of tuition and awards each of them a four-year tuition scholarship valued at $200,000, meaning no student ever pays tuition. Ninety-eight percent of Berea’s domestic students are Pell-eligible, probably the highest percentage in the country. They excel in the College’s supportive but demanding academic environment, and many are the first in their families to graduate from college. In addition to an excellent liberal arts education, Berea is one of eight federally-recognized Work Colleges, requiring all students to participate in a work program 10-15 hours per week in a variety of positions across campus.
Berea College has always nurtured the spiritual life of its community in a variety of ways. While categorized as non-denominational, the school creates an inclusive Christian spirituality that has always promoted social justice in its many forms. During its earliest history, the College provided many opportunities for Christian education and spiritual development, requiring the participation of all students and faculty. Beginning with the founders of the College, several members of the faculty and administration, including five of the school’s nine presidents to date, also have been ordained ministers from several different Christian traditions and denominations. Through much of the College’s history, many of the ministerial members of the College’s faculty and administration led the community in worship and study of scriptures. For many decades, the president of the College even appointed a “College Preacher.” This person helped the school to fulfill its Christian commitment. Despite the important role of the Christian faith in the founding, history and present mission of the College, the College does not regard itself as a church. It considers participation in any religious community or tradition completely voluntary for its students, staff and faculty.
To learn more about Berea’s Campus Christian Center (CCC), visit the https://www.berea.edu/ccc/.
To explore more information about the CCC’s mission, visit the https://www.berea.edu/ccc/mission/.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Reporting to the President, The Dean of the Chapel provides leadership in interpreting and applying the college’s 3rd Great Commitment through participation in formal occasions of the College, speaking to various groups on and off-campus, supervision of the Campus Christian Center, and involvement in the governance of the College. The Dean of the Chapel reports directly to and serves as an advisor to the President and the senior leadership of the College.
Senior Accountant, Full-Time, UMC: Methuen, MA
The New England Conference of The United Methodist Church is excited to announce a search for a Senior Accountant. The Senior Accountant will work under the supervision of the Controller and will be responsible for performing basic accounting duties such as analyzing accounts, records, ledgers, and reports for accuracy and validity. This role prepares or assists in the preparation of various financial reports requiring initiative and investigative skills as well as assisting with accounts payables, accounts receivables, and payroll functions.
Download full job description here: Updated - New England- Senior Accountant Job Posting2
The New England Conference of the United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
Email resume and cover letter to jobs@gcfa.org
Closing Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2022
Words For New Weddings by Reverend Dr. David L. Glusker (STH ’68)
Words For New Weddings makes it easy for anyone to create a wedding service or ceremony that is just what they want! You don't have to be a judge, or a clergy, or a justice of the peace to plan the wedding that is perfect for you. This book makes it easy, one step at a time, to choose the words that you want spoken at your wedding. They can be deeply spiritual words or simple loving statements. They can celebrate your history and/or anticipate your future. They can include others or be very personal. You get to choose!
Twenty-first century couples need twenty-first century options for planning weddings and services of commitment. This book offers step-by-step choices from "traditional" to "contemporary", enabling weddings to be custom-crafted with thousands of possible ceremonies. With little to no other resources out there like Words For New Weddings, we, the authors, are thrilled by the idea of couples using this book to “mix things up" and edit the choices that we have presented to you to craft your perfect wedding.
Not getting married? No problem! This book is an excellent resource for all kinds of services, not just weddings. For example, we have provided you with options for couples simply wishing to renew their vows, express their commitment to each other, and more. Anyone and everyone can create a ceremony that will bring joy to all who attend!
“Words for New Weddings is an excellent resource for those preparing to officiate at weddings. It provides fresh new language for everyone, with many options from which to select the right words for any wedding ceremony and for ALL couples. Thank you, David and Tom, for providing this rich, valuable and most inclusive resource.
- Cliff Ives (STH '63,'83), Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Retired, Portland, Maine”
The Reverend Dr. David Glusker is a retired United Methodist clergy who served as the pastor of local churches in Maine and Massachusetts for twenty-six years, and as an ecumenical media minister, reaching people in northern New England, Canada, and part of the Mid-West for fourteen years. He is a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College (BA), Boston University School of Theology (M Div), and New York Theological Seminary (STM and D Min). He is married and has three surviving children, three step-children, and fourteen grandchildren. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Maine and worship at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church in Waterville, Maine, where the Reverend Dr. Thom Blackstone has served as the pastor.
In 1983, Rev. Glusker invited his good friend, the Rev. Dr. Peter Misner, to join him in creating a book that would help couples play a larger role in creating their own wedding ceremonies. Words for Your Wedding was published and proved to be a helpful tool for thousands of couples and officiants planning weddings. In 2019, he invited his pastor and friend, the Rev. Dr. Thom Blackstone, to join him in a similar project that would address the ever-changing and more inclusive world of the 21st century. Their goal is to help the human family be more loving and inclusive, to encourage acceptance of differences, and to serve the God of Love during their remaining years.
Get your copy of Words For New Weddings on Amazon.
Spring 2022 COVID-19 Procedures for BUSTH and BU Charles River Campus
January 2022 – On Wednesday, January 5th, Boston University announced new COVID-19 adaptations as the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 virus continues. Classes will resume as scheduled on January 20, but with temporary modifications. Please read the announcement to be sure all protocols are followed before the start of the semester.
Jan. 5 COVID-19 Update from BU Administration
Additional information for School of Theology students are as follows:
- Back2BU: Boston University’s dedicated website for campus guidelines for all University audiences
- Healthway: BU’s website dedicated to COVID-19 prevention and testing for our community. It includes the daily testing dashboard which displays all the latest results from our on-campus COVID-19 testing
- STH Library COVID-19 information
- BU Today: Subscribe to the daily email newsletter for breaking news on campus