First United Methodist Church

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The structure of the United Methodist Church is organized for ministry at several levels: levels maintain "connectional links with one another. Both clergy and laity are elected to serve on the governing bodies and committees of the church. Church programs are administered by committees of lay people in various areas of ministry including worship, missions, community outreach, stewardship, education, and fellowship.

Participation on church committees is usually for a two or three-year team. The Lay Leadership committee meets beginning in October to solicit and nominate new members to the various committees. Their recommendations are brought before the All Church Charge Conference for approval. The following are committees presently active at FUMC Santa Barbara.

Administrative Council: Convenes on an as-needed basis to discuss and vote upon program and financial issues that affect FUMC Santa Barbara. Co- Chairs: John Scott and Tom Anderle

Adult Ministries: Provides education and study programs that speak to the needs of the church community to enhance, expand, or enrich members' spiritual and religious life. Plans and coordinates Disciples Study programs. Chair: Pat Martzen

Children's Ministries: Children's Ministries include all ministries involving children within the life of the congregational community, including but not limited to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, music ministries, children's worship experiences and other programs and activities. This committee works in concert with the Christian Education Coordinator. Co-Chairs: Lisa Moiso and Sarah Bartholomew

Church Growth: Creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and new members and encourages Church growth through membership. Co-Chairs: Merlin & Faye Rossow

Connections: Works to foster inter-congregational connections, improve interoffice communications, and oversee website management, photo archives, advertising and other forms of "connections". Chair: Suzanne McAdams

Faith and Society: Is committed to developing ways to help the congregation raise consciousness, deepen understanding, and increase dialogue and involvement in social issues of our community, nation, and world through educational forums and social outreach activities. Chair: Rev. Bill Porter

Fellowship of Members: Fosters fellowship amongst the congregation by coordinating and providing food and hospitality at various FUMCSB functions and events not hosted by any other church committee. Assists in outreach activities to members unable to attend Church services. Chair: Marte Franklin

Finance: Responsible for financial oversight of FUMCSB including preparation and monitoring of annual budget, church expenses and revenues, and assisting in stewardship activities. Chair: Sid Trundle

Health Ministries: Promote the concept and practice of health as part of spiritual wholeness and ministry by coordinating health education and health screening and services. Staff Liaison: Pastor Alan Strout

Lay Delegates: Representatives of FUMCSB laity to Annual California-Pacific UMC Conference in June. Lay Delegates: Patty Bellinger, Jack and Nadine Schlothauer

Lay Leaders: Represents the interests of laity and acts as liaison for the congregation at Trustees, Finance, Staff Parish Relations and Lay Leadership committees. Assists clergy in Congregational Assessment and coordinates Laity Sunday. Lay Leaders: Bruce and Suzanne McAdams

Lay Leadership: Meets beginning in October to coordinate with various committees in nominating new members for committees for the following year. Presents recommendations to FUMCSB Charge Conference for approval. Chair: Pastor Hillary Chrisley

Missions: Plans, and leads mission work including raising and disbursing funds for projects in the US and other countries. Also organizes and leads work teams for relief and assistance in several US and international locations. Liaison with UMC Global Ministries and UMCOR to assist in meeting worldwide mission needs. Chair: Roger Forse

Staff Parish Relations: Provides direction, coordination and planning of all human resource policies and activities associated with clergy and staff. Liaison with Finance committee and Cal-Pac Conference on staffing and salary issues. Chair: Janice Kroekel

Trustees: Supervises and maintains all property belonging to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective. Responsible for seeing that the intent of a donor in a will, trust, bequest and other investments given to FUMCSB is accomplished with each gift. Holds title to all local church property which includes a legacy of property, investments and buildings. Insures that the congregation is a good steward of what previous generations have made available to them. The ministry of the Trustees is important as it helps provide a safe, clean, well maintained environment in which people may come and work together to serve Christ. Chair: Sue Ziliotto

Memorials: A Sub-committee of Trustees. Provides guidance and coordination of gifts to the Church for memorials and other items of remembrance. Co-Chairs Helen Wilke and June Anderle

Planned Giving: A Sub-committee of Trustees. Manages FUMC Endowment Fund to provide for growth without compromising risk. Considers and makes recommendations on grant requests for worthy Church projects (excluding programs and operating expenses). Chair: Jack Schlothauer

Youth Council: Works in concert with the Youth Coordinator to provide innovative, spiritually enriching youth programs that include Sunday school, Bible study, worship, fellowship, missions and outreach for youth grades 7 through 12. Staff Liaison: Brad Varygas

Worship and Music: Brings congregational concerns about Church worship services to the clergy and relevant Church staff. Provides input on setting policy for sanctuary use, maintains music instruments and equipment, assists with music-related events, and makes recommendations on music/worship activities. Oversees worship volunteers such as ushers, greeters, liturgists and acolytes. Chair: Leslie Hogan

Altar Guild: A Sub-committee of Worship and Music. Provides beautiful flower arrangements in concert with Church member donations to honor or remember loved ones. Coordinates with clergy in the preparation of communion materials. Chair: Julie Hayward