Good Shepherd is hiring: Parish Administrator

The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) in Acton, MA, is a caring and inclusive community of faith, immersed in compelling worship, engaged in mission and outreach and caring for God’s creation. We are looking for a part-time parish administrator to manage our church office and direct our communications with the goal of connecting with our current members, and inviting the broader community to learn more about the church. This position requires 20 hours/week, Tuesday to Friday.

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate communication of the Parish Office by answering phones, emails and written correspondence; welcoming visitors, renters and vendors during normal business hours.

  • Assemble and distribute the weekly email to the Parish (the E-blast).

  • Amplify communication through the Church’s social media channels (Facebook,

    Instagram, etc.).

• Format and print all worship bulletins for weekly Sunday services, Holy Days and special services such as funerals and weddings.

• Maintain and regularly update the Church website, as the hub for all news and information related to the Church.

  • Manage cyclical content updates related to the liturgical calendar (e.g., Holy day celebrations)

  • Coordinate and post timely summaries of the Church’s ministries adding new content whenever possible.

  • Make updates to the website as needed to reflect the Church’s current programming (e.g., Church school, adult formation).

• Maintain all parish records and membership roles using Breeze Church Management software.

• Develop annual calendar and participate in development of long-term schedule of events.

• Aid the Rector in overall management of the parish and its buildings. Oversee annual

  inspections (fire; Board of Health etc). Coordinate and schedule renters.

• Help to prepare bills and payroll.

• Perform other Office related tasks as needed.

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Support a culture of welcome and connection in the life of the parish. Generate a sense of hospitality, warmth and openness.

• Ability to work closely with Rector and other church leaders to make a positive contribution to the life and ministry of the parish. Dedication to upholding the values and mission of the church. Commitment and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Adept at writing short, easy-to-read articles for web postings and email. Skilled with word processing and simple publishing. Familiar with Apple computers a plus.

• Familiar with website content management systems. Knowledge of Squarespace is a plus.

• Familiar with email marketing platforms. Knowledge of Constant Contact is a plus.

• Familiar with Google Workspace apps (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.).

• Proficient in database management. Familiar with Breeze Church Management software a plus.

• Able to manage Facebook and Instagram social media postings.

If you are interested in making a positive contribution to our church, and you are a self-motivated, person with strong administrative, personal, and digital communication skills, please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information with the subject line “Parish Administrator Position” to our Rector, the Rev. Eleanor Terry.

Stewardship Reflections

Three reflections on Outreach experiences at Church of the Good Shepherd

Rev. Eleanor A. Terry

2024-11-10 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor A. Terry, Rector

The Rev. Eleanor A. Terry, Rector

2024-11-03 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor A. Terry, Rector

Mitten, glove and hat drive for the Acton Shelter

During the month of November, we will be collecting brand new hats, gloves, and mittens for the residents in the shelter at the Minuteman Inn. For anyone who would prefer to make a monetary donation, the middle school children will take on the task of shopping.  Many of the residents are Haitians who are here legally with parolee immigration status. We are all aware of how they have been victimized by the nasty rhetoric on the campaign trail. We will be setting up a card making station to write messages of welcome and caring that we will tuck in the clothing. Our aim is to bring this bundle of love to the shelter the week of Thanksgiving.

The Rev. Ken Schmidt

2024-10-27 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Ken Schmidt, Deacon

Rev. Eleanor Applewhite Terry

2024-10-20 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor Applewhite Terry, Rector

The Rev. Ken Schmidt

2024-10-13 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Ken Schmidt, Deacon

October blanket and lamp drive for household goods

Good Shepherd is sponsoring a blanket and lamp drive for Household Goods October 1-31. Please bring lamps with shades and clean blankets with no rips or stains. Twin and full/queen size blankets are especially needed.

Household Goods provides a full range of donated household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home.

Keeping vigil: Prayer resource as we approach election day

As we approach election day, we invite you to download this prayer resource to be an aid in your time of prayer. It includes prayers selected from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, intermixed with hymns and scripture.

This prayer vigil is a non-partisan way of coming together through prayer to light a candle, say a prayer for the life and safety of our nation, and our nation’s leadership. It is also a time to remember the work we have to do as a country with regards to racism, and restoring civility and respect among all people.

As we pray, may we be so brave as to listen for God’s voice leading us to the work we have in repenting for our sins, making efforts not to repeat them, living in a new way. Prayers are designed to be offered by individuals or families at home; or while praying in the church or other sacred place. May God be with you.