Committees
Church Council
This is the oversight organization of the church. The members of the Council take responsibility for various work areas of the ministry and oversee the activities. The Council works with the pastors to establish the mission and vision of the church. In recent years, the Church Council has been the Stewardship group of the church, organizing and planning the annual pledge campaign. Meets on 2nd Monday of month at 7 p.m. in Room 24; child care available with prior notice
Lay Leadership
Formerly called Nominating Committee, this committee recruits members and friends to serve on various committees. They try to match members’ skills and interests with the positions available. The committee is chaired by the Senior Pastor. Meets on call, generally not as often during the year, but regularly in the fall with meetings usually scheduled in the evening or Sunday afternoon; child care available with prior notice.
La Mesa First United Methodist Foundation
The Foundation is a separate entity which receives and disburses bequests and donations on behalf of the church. Gifts to the Foundation are gifts to the endowment of the church and may be in any amount or made at any time. The principal of the gift is held and only the interest is disbursed in most cases. The Foundation hosts special events during the year to promote information about the Foundation and celebrate the donors. The committee is chaired by Lois Knowlton. Meets quarterly at 7 p.m., with the next meeting set at the end of each meeting; child care is available with prior notice.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the legal entity of the church. They are responsible for the buildings and maintenance as well as being the official body in any decision-making regarding the properties of the church. The trustees organize and work at “church work days” and also decide about major renovation projects as well as emergencies. The board is chaired by Muriel Mellor. Meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Room 24; child care is available with prior notice.
Finance Committee
This committee oversees the budget of the church and works to maintain an even flow of income and expenses. Members of the committee may also be on Fundraising Committee which oversees the Octoberfest parking lot workers, the rummage sale, the restaurant dinners, and the scrip sales. The chair of this committee will be Karen Rege in 2008. Meets monthly on the 4th Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in Room 24; child care is available with prior notice.
Staff Parish Relations Committee
SPRC is the liaison between the staff and the church. Their duties include evaluation of staff, hiring of non-clerical staff, evaluation and goal-setting with the clergy, maintaining current job descriptions, and advocating for the staff when needed. The chair of this committee is not yet selected for 2008. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Room 24; child care is available with prior notice.
Health Ministry
This commission organizes programming related to health ministries. They offer blood pressure checks monthly as well as blood sugar checks. When there is interest, they arrange for speakers or plan special events. Meets infrequently as needed.
Lay Pastors
The Lay Pastors visit shut-ins and hospitalized members. They also provide a monthly worship service at Grossmont Gardens Convalescent Center. The lay pastors arrange for the distribution of poinsettias and lilies seasonally. Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. in Room 24. Grossmont Gardens worship is 4th Wed. at 10 a.m. at Grossmont Gardens.
Education Ministries
The education program currently doesn’t have a coordinator. The teachers of the children and youth Sunday School meet periodically to organize their curricula and plan special events.
Peace with Justice
This commission discusses peace and justice issues, reviewing information from various sources. They also occasionally schedule special events, like movie showings, or short-term study groups. The chair is Bob Conger. Meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 7:15 p.m. in Room 24; child care is available with prior notice.
Housing Ministry
The Housing Ministry addresses issues of poverty and homelessness in San Diego, East County and the nation. Teams of ministry members meet with applicants for housing assistance and disburse funds. The chair is Don Davis. Meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in Room 22; child care is available with prior notice. Hosts the Housing Breakfast between services on the 4th Sunday.
Community Outreach Ministry
This ministry is focused on the ways that the church can make a difference in the community through our words, our work, and our presence. It is connected with the San Diego Organizing Project, which offers leadership training and support. The chair position is rotated among the members. Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in Fireside; child care is available with prior notice.
Missions
This commission coordinates our support of mission personnel in various places throughout the world. Currently, we support 2 missionaries (Terry & Muriel Henderson and Romy del Rosario). Members assist with special events and host several meals focused on our missionary areas. Meets on the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in Room 24; child care is available with prior notice.
Worship & Arts
Assists with the planning and organizing of worship. Assists in decorating the sanctuary for seasons of the Christian year. Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Room 24; child care available with prior notice.
An organizational chart that shows the leader of each committee and how they relate to each other is available.