If you have a question that is not answered here, you can find a relevant webpage using the Site Map, or contact the Church Office at 650-948-1083, or Hallis Ayres, Director of Office Administration and Communication, at hallisayres@laumc.org.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Methodists and all the other church denominations?
How long do the pastors stay and how are they assigned?
How do I get to know people in such a large congregation?
What is expected of church members at LAUMC?
How much money should I give to the church?
Is there a small group I can join with people who share my interests and needs?
Is there childcare and where is it?
Planning a church event?
I'd like to organize a church event. What do I do?
How do I get a table set up for my group/activity on Sunday morning?
Money matters for your church event
What is the Financial Askings Policy?
Who needs to fill out a Financial Askings Request Form?
When do I need to fill out the form and who do I submit it to?
What's the difference between Methodists and all the other church denominations?
The contemporary differences between the "Main Line Protestant" denominations (Presbyterian, Methodist, American Baptist, Episcopal, American Lutheran, Congregational, United Church of Christ) may seem superficial at first glance. All believe in God, the divinity of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. How they express their beliefs in worship style and local mission activities vary from congregation to congregation. How they are organized and choose their pastors set them apart institutionally. How they serve the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism set them apart historically.
United Methodists are unique in a number of ways:
- We insist that personal spirituality and social responsibility cannot be separated; in the end how we live our lives is our true religion.
- We do not take the Bible literally but that is not to say we take it lightly. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement in 18th century England also suggested that along with the Bible as the primary source of God's revelation, reason, church tradition and personal experience also reveal who God is and what God wills for us today.
- We encourage diversity of thought and expression about our faith, rejecting dogmatic conformity. United Methodists can be liberal or conservative, contemplative or charismatic. They love to sing the old hymns or learn the new ones, too.
- We are an "open communion" church; all people regardless of church membership are welcome to receive the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, as well as the programs and ministry of the church.
- We are a "connectional church," interconnected by a common mission and network of resources to 38,000 other United Methodist churches in North America and many more around the world.
In our current cultural climate, the words "conservative" and "liberal" sadly have become pejorative and divisive. LAUMC has been called both by a variety of folk over the years, reflecting more about the speaker than who and what we are as a church.
At LAUMC we try to understand the Bible in its historical context while acknowledging that a dynamic and living God is still speaking to us, at times with something very new; such as the end of slavery or the equal role and status of women in society. The Bible is the "living word of God." We begin our faith tradition there. We return to it again and again as a guide and friend. But God did not stop speaking when the bible was "finished" centuries ago.
True to our Methodist roots, LAUMC honors and encourages diversity of opinion and the expression of spiritual values rather than imposing dogmatic conformity.
At the heart of who we are is the passion to make a difference in the world and this community. Social responsibility is a key to living out our faith.
Do these values make us "liberal" or "conservative?" In the end, such a judgment is in the eye of the beholder.
How long do the pastors stay and how are they assigned?
In the United Methodist church ordained Elders are appointed to their assignment annually by a presiding Bishop. In the Northern California and Nevada Conference our Bishop headquarters are in West Sacramento.
Each year all appointed Elders file their appointment requests with the Bishop, as do the Staff Parish Relations Committees of each of the local churches and their District Superintendent. When all these requests are received, the Bishop consults with all parties. If all parties are satisfied in the current assignment and ministry goals are being met, it is expected that the pastor will stay in that assignment. If any of the parties request a change, the Bishop and District Superintendent will be in close consultation with the local church Staff Parish Relations Committee if there needs to be a change. Although the final decision is always the Bishop's, our system is very collaborative and responsive to the local church's needs.
In our Northern California and Nevada Conference the average length of stay is currently five years, but is increasing. At LAUMC, we have a tradition of keeping our Senior Pastors for long tenures; Pastor Mark is the fourth Senior Pastor in the 56 year history of the church.
How do I get to know people in such a large congregation?
Church shopping is an important aspect of finding a new church and you are welcome to "check us out." However, give us more than one look! Take a month of Sundays to visit each of the churches you are interested in. The music, message and welcome can vary week by week and it's hard to make a comprehensive decision with just one visit. If after a while LAUMC begins to feel like "home," introduce yourself to Pastor Debbie Weatherspoon or Patricia Parfett, Adult Ministry Coordinator (usually at the Welcoming Table each Sunday at the back of the church). Either can answer any of your questions and point you to groups or activities that might meet your needs. Getting involved in a class, small group or one-time activity is a great way to get to know new people.
And if you'd just like to come on Sunday morning and soak up the message and music, feel welcomed at whatever level involvement feels right to you!
If you are over 12 years of age and have been baptized in any other Christian church, joining a United Methodist church is a fairly informal matter. You may request a transfer of membership from your current church or you may simply affirm your "loyalty" to the United Methodist church and promise to support LAUMC with your "prayers, presence, gifts and service." This is usually done in one of our Sunday morning worship services but if there are extraordinary circumstances other means can be arranged. You are not required to be "re-baptized" as we honor and affirm all baptisms in the name of Jesus Christ.
If you are over 12 years of age and have never been baptized, we recommend that you visit with one of our pastors to discuss your decision to be baptized and then join the church.
If you are in Junior or Senior High school and would like to consider joining the church, we offer a wonderful Confirmation Class at the beginning of each year which leads to baptism and/or confirmation as you join the church. Contact Carol Damonte, Director of Youth and Youth Music, for more information.
Children under 12 can be baptized under the confession of faith of their parent/s or guardian/s. (Baptism information)
If you are interested in learning more about joining our church and taking our membership classes please contact Rev. Debbie Weatherspoon or Patricia Parfett, Adult Ministry Coordinator, or click here.
What is expected of church members at LAUMC?
Church membership makes a difference in our lives; those who make a commitment get the most out of their church experience, as they grow closer to God and to those who share the journey. The following expectations are time tested and honored behaviors of those we admire for their faith, courage and love:
- Prayer; people of mature faith pray daily for the church, its leadership, the concerns of the people and the world as well as practice spiritual disciplines for themselves.
- Attendance; people of mature faith regularly attend Sunday worship.
- Study; people of mature faith participate in at least one class or workshop a year in order to grow in their faith, learn about the Bible and expand their spiritual understanding.
- Service; at least once a year people of mature faith participate in a direct mission service to the local community, region or the world.
- Fellowship; people with mature faith participate in at least one small group a year, short or long term, in order to grow closer to others and to God's spirit available in fellowship.
- Gifts; as stewards of God's gifts, people of mature faith donate their time and talent as they are able to the operation of the church and give financially to support its ministry by setting aside a portion of their wealth for God's work.
How much money should I give to the church?
LAUMC is a very generous church with a real passion to serve the community. Along with its own Operating Budget, each year there will be many opportunities to give financially to important opportunities to make a difference in the world.
You are welcome at LAUMC whether you can give a dime or not. And, we are often asked what the 'fair share' is. If we were to divide our Operating Budget by the number of families who are active in our church, the cost per family to do all that we do is about $1,916 per family unit. But many people can give much more than that and some can't give that much at all.
We recommend that you prayerfully consider setting aside a portion of your wealth each year for the work of God in the church.
Is there a small group I can join with people who share my interests and needs?
At first glance it can be intimidating to consider getting involved in such a large church as LAUMC. We have scores of small groups open to welcoming you and we are willing to make the effort to create new groups with an affinity to your needs. Watch the website and newsletter for announcements about small group offerings throughout the year. Speak with Rev. Debbie Weatherspoon or Patricia Parfett, Adult Ministry Coordinator, about your specific desires and interests and they will help you get connected. Click here to learn about current small group offerings.
Is there childcare and where is it?
Childcare is available for each worship service and most programs offered at LAUMC. Our excellent childcare staff is available in the nursery; a two room suite and mini-playground just north of the sanctuary along the Foothill Expressway parking lot. For special childcare needs, contact Lisa Conway, Director of Children's Ministry.
Although the Starfire and Lightshine youth choirs get a lot of public visibility being in worship each Sunday our youth program offers much more. Weekly Senior and Junior High Sunday night groups offer all kids the opportunity to get to know each other, grow closer to God and serve the community and church whether they sing in the youth choirs or not. Check out the Youth Ministries page on this website for more detailed information. Contact Carol Damonte, Director of Youth and Youth Music, to find out how you can get your young people into the region's most dynamic youth ministry.
I'd like to organize a church event. What do I do?
Many of the great programs and events of LAUMC start with an idea from a member of the congregation or a church committee. If you or your group has an idea you wish to share with the congregation, here is a short checklist of steps to take as you begin your planning.
- Prepare an outline of your ideas.
- Present this outline to the Community Life Team. The team will be interested in how this activity fits with the overall mission and ministry of LAUMC.
- Speak with the Finance Department to plan any financial needs, such as expenses, ticket sales, donations, etc. They will guide you through the necessary financial procedures.
- Meet with the staff member who coordinates the facilities calendar to schedule and plan all space use.
- Consider who your target audience is and tailor some plans for publicity.
- Construct a detailed plan of action for you and your group.
The church staff is here to support your efforts. Our Welcoming Desk Assistant will be happy to connect you with the staff person who can best assist you at the time!
How do I get a table set up for my group/activity on Sunday morning?
Call or email the church office (650-948-1083) who will take your request and relay it to our Sunday custodian who will set up the table.
What is the Financial Askings Policy?
The Financial Askings Policy, which has been in effect since January 2007 is one of the very first steps to help you plan a church event or activity. Think of it as a catalyst for thoughtful, careful planning and ministry church-wide. It is meant not only to increase communication between event planners and the various committees and departments impacted (i.e. Finance Committee, Worship Committee, Outreach Council), but also to ensure that the LAUMC congregation is not overwhelmed with too many "askings" on any particular Sunday.
Who needs to fill out a Financial Askings Request Form?
Church staff liaisons or event planners who have already presented their ideas to the Community Life Team should fill out a Financial Askings Request Form as early as possible in the planning process. The Financial Askings Policy pertains to the following: a) fundraisers for any church group or church-related activities; b) any event which includes ticket sales; c) special collections or donation requests; d) any time the congregation is asked to give or buy. Even non-monetary collections (i.e. clothing) need to be communicated on a Financial Askings Request Form.
When do I need to fill out the form and who do I submit it to?
Financial Asking Requests must be submitted to the Church Business Administrator at least three weeks prior to the first planned event publicity. Requests must be approved before any advertising or expenses occur and before room reservations can be finalized. Financial Asking Request Forms are available from the church Finance Office or online in the "Give" section of the church website.
This policy limits the number of causes promoted on one Sunday to three, and each cause can be promoted a maximum of three Sundays. If a program has multiple fundraising opportunities for the same cause, they can be announced together and counted as a single promotion, or announced separately, subject to the three announcement limit in total. New asking requests must be submitted each calendar year for ongoing activities.
The Finance Office is available to assist event planners ("record keepers") if they have questions filling out the form. Click here for Finance Office contact information.
