Our Common Questions page is a work in progress. 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.

How do I get a table set up for my group/activity on Sunday morning?
Call or email Paula Taylor (650-948-1083 x100 or paulataylor@laumc.org) who will take your request and relay it to our Sunday custodian who will set up the table.


Planning a church event?
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!


Money matters for your church event
• 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.