HDS - OMS - Field Education Handbook

Project: The First Parish in Malden is a historic church, gathered in 1648 at the founding of Malden. This growing congregation is proud of its deep roots in the Universalist tradition while drawing inspiration from the great religions of the world. The church has many assets: Lively Sunday morning worship services, a high-quality and diverse music program, committed lay leadership, a highly visible location, a beautiful sanctuary, large fellowship and meeting areas, convenient parking, good financial resources, and a congregation and minister committed to a vision of growth through ministry. Sunday worship is the center of congregational life, focusing on music, prayer, and preaching. Preaching is thematic. Religious education, community service activities, and public witness programs are becoming established. The church is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Mass. Bay District of Unitarian Universalist congregations. Malden is an economically, ethnically, and religiously diverse urban community a few miles northwest of Boston. The church is located at the intersection of Elm and Pleasant Streets (Route 60), just a few blocks from the Malden Center T station on the Orange Line. Accessible to Cambridge, Somerville, and Arlington by bus. Convenient, free parking.

Student Involvement: A student with high energy and resourcefulness will enjoy a rewarding experience at the First Parish in Malden, a congregation that is growing in size and reputation in the Malden community and the larger Unitarian Universalist movement. The student will be considered a part of the ministerial team and invited to participate in all aspects of congregational life. Opportunities for leading worship, preaching, teaching, pastoral care, membership development, and community service are available depending on the student's needs and interests. A student preparing for the Unitarian Universalist ministry is preferred. 15 hours per week, September through May. Office space, telephone, Internet access, and desk provided. Summer ministry available.

Arts of Ministry Competencies: Preaching and Worship. Pastoral Care and Counseling. Religious Education and Spiritual Development. Administration and Program Development. Public Leadership, Community Organizing and Planning.

Supervision: Weekly, one-hour theological reflection and one-hour supervision sessions with the minister.

Notes: Rev. David M. Horst is a 1999 graduate of the Harvard Divinity School with four years of experience as a field education supervisor. He formerly served as Minister of Religious Education at the First and Second Church in Boston and Manager of the Walk for Hunger in Boston. He is a board member of the Boston Children's Chorus and the Mass. Bay District of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Harvard Divinity School

Ministry Studies

Field Education Handbook