What is Lay Ministry?
Through baptism, each of us is called to serve in ministry. Sometimes, this call is to ordained leadership in and through the local and denominational church. More often, however, this call is to a particular service of administrating, teaching, caring, visioning, visiting, cooking, playing, counseling, knitting, camping, praying, welcoming… the list is endless.
The scriptures tell us that each one of us is vital to the health and functioning of the Body of Christ, which means that whatever our call might be, the Church needs all of us to offer our gifts for the message of hope and grace to take root and flourish.
The United Methodist Church has established three categories for laypersons in the area of lay servant ministries to develop, prepare, and engage principled Christian leaders for the mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world.
Certified Lay Servant
A Certified Lay Servant serves the local church or charge (and/or beyond) in many ways as listed in the brochure.
Certified Lay Servants may further develop their skills further on the tracks of “Certified Lay Speaker” and “Certified Lay Minister.”
Certified Lay Speaker
A Certified Lay Speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee.
Certified Lay Minister
A Certified Lay Minister serves as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson. Learn more >>
See brochure about becoming certified Servant, Speaker, or Minister
FEATURED EVENT: AI & CHATGPT FOR THE CHURCH
15apr6:30 PMLSM Advanced Course: AI & ChatGPT 4 Church Leaders (Leadership)6:30 PM PDT
Event Details
Dates: 5 Mondays, April 15 - May 13, 2024, 6:30 PM PDT (3:30 PM HST/11:30 AM Tuesdays ChST) Location: online (Zoom)
Event Details
Dates: 5 Mondays, April 15 – May 13, 2024, 6:30 PM PDT (3:30 PM HST/11:30 AM Tuesdays ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Cost: $39/person, $79 up to 4 persons from the same church
- To pay online through the SOUMC website, go to: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1309144 and select the “Lay Servant Course” Fund Designation.
This series is sponsored by North District Lay Servant Ministries in Cal-Pac and open to participants from anyone in the Western Jurisdiction.
AI is more ubiquitous and available than most imagine. The question isn’t if you will use AI in your ministry work but how. The instructors are Kenny Jahng and Jason Moore.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status. This is one of the six classes required to become a Certified Lay Speaker. Other required advanced courses, in addition to the BASIC class for Certified Lay Speaker certification are Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage or United Methodist History, and United Methodist Polity.
- About Certified Lay Servant (CLS) status: After you take the Basic Lay Servant Class, you have 3 years to take an advanced class to qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant. If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay Speaker, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, Planning Worship or Leading Worship, United Methodist Heritage, United Methodist Polity and Preaching. For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Download PDF Guide “Unlock the Power of AI” by Kenny Jahng. Once registered, you will be sent a link to download the PDF Guide.
- Topics:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- What is ChatGPT & How do you use it
- 4 Benefits of ChatGPT/AI Tools for Church Leaders
- Practical & Sample Use Cases
- Best Practices & Best Prompts
- Ethical Considerations for Church Leaders
View event flyer (JPG)
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
For questions, contact Jean at soumc@sbcglobal.net or 818.789.0351.
Organizer
AI & CHATGPT FOR THE CHURCH STARTS APRIL 15
This class offers a comprehensive introduction to AI and explores the practical applications of ChatGPT in ministry work. Learn how to leverage AI tools effectively, discover the benefits they offer, and explore real-world use cases tailored to the needs of church leaders. From understanding the basics of AI to navigating ethical considerations, you will gain the knowledge and skills to maximize the potential of AI in your ministry endeavors. Sponsored by North District Lay Servant Ministries. REGISTER NOW >>
UPCOMING EVENTS
Basic Classes
The Basic Class is an in-person class and must be completed by everyone pursuing Lay Servant Ministries.
One can attend the in-person classes in any location.
Refer to the requirements on the brochure for each type of ministry before signing up for a class.
Advanced Classes
Classes are offered in-person and online. One can attend the in-person classes in any location. They are broken out by area below for ease of locating classes nearest you.
- Advanced Classes Online (beadisciple.org)
Event Details
Dates: 8 weeks - over daylight saving time for California Wednesdays, February 28 - March 6, 2024, 6:45 PM -
Event Details
Dates: 8 weeks – over daylight saving time for California
- Wednesdays, February 28 – March 6, 2024, 6:45 PM – 8 PM PST (4:45 PM HST/12:45 PM Thursdays ChST)
- Wednesdays, March 13 – April 10, 2024, 6:45 PM – 8 PM PDT (3:45 PM HST/11:45 AM Thursdays, ChST)
Location: online (Zoom) & in person at Sherman Oaks UMC
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Cost: $25 for LSM credit; $15 for no LSM credit. The purchase of a book is also required.
- To pay online through the SOUMC website, go to: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1309144 and select the “Lay Servant Course” Fund Designation.
This 8-week class is open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts. All are welcome!
Media & Faith: “The Way of the Chosen” – Christ, Culture, and Cinema, Part 3
To download or stream the Hit Miniseries, “The Chosen (Season 1-3)” use this link: https://www.angel.com/watch/the-chosen?gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw38WG47_ug7jmAgm5QrtSr8BLhbHBSFfq5LfRfP85e5HPrPHYomZ4MaApWKEALw_wcB
The Chosen is a groundbreaking multi-season miniseries about the life of Jesus.
There will be a one-hr-15-min study session for these episodes for 8 Wednesdays, but even if you don’t watch the series, it will be an edifying and growth experience. We will be showing an excerpt of The Chosen series at each session. Hope you might join us and even invite a friend!
About the Class:
- Media & Faith – A Creative & Biblical Study of Jesus & The Gospels to Reach New People, Part 3: As people of faith, storytelling has special meaning. We are people of the story, and we seek to identify and share our stories in nearly everything we do. Dancing With Words provides help for all church leaders to explore storytelling in faith development and acquire basic storytelling skills. They will discover ways storytelling enhances ministry and explore storytelling’s use in sermons and teaching.
- The instructor for this series is Rev. Garth Gilliam. The course is being organized by North District Lay Servant Ministries.
- Provide your own book: All participants will need a copy of Blessed Are the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study (Vol 2) (Amazon). All other Class Resources will be supplied from LSM Ministries.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status. This is one of the six classes required to become a Certified Lay Speaker. Other required advanced courses, in addition to the BASIC class for Certified Lay Speaker certification are Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage or United Methodist History, and United Methodist Polity.
- About Certified Lay Servant (CLS) status: After you take the Basic Lay Servant Class, you have 3 years to take an advanced class to qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant. If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay Speaker, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, Planning Worship or Leading Worship, United Methodist Heritage, United Methodist Polity and Preaching. For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
View event flyer (JPG)
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
For questions, contact Jean at soumc@sbcglobal.net or 818.789.0351.
Organizer
Event Details
Dates: California: Tuesdays, March 5 - April 2, 2024, 6 PM - 8 PM PT Hawai`i District: Tuesday, March
Event Details
Dates:
- California: Tuesdays, March 5 – April 2, 2024, 6 PM – 8 PM PT
- Hawai`i District:
- Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 4 PM – 6 PM HST (Noon Wednesday ChST)
- Tuesdays, March 12 – April 2, 2024, 3 PM – 5 PM HST (11 AM Wednesdays ChST) – affected by daylight savings time in California
Location: online (Zoom)
Cost: $20 and you must acquire your own book (see below)
This class is open to participants from all Cal-Pac & Cal-Nev districts and others. To view the 2024 Tongan LSM Course series schedule, click here.
Prerequisite: Basic LSM
This course helps participants understand their spiritual gifts and how the church can use those gifts to fulfill its mission and ministry. Participants will also learn what it means to be a spiritual leader and will be equipped to lead others in exploring and using their spiritual gifts.
- All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. To learn more about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit.
- Provide your own book: Each One a Minister, a revised and enlarged edition of Carter’s previous book by the same title, begins with a 6-session study of Ephesians. Carter engages the reader in discovering the meaning of church, ministry, and gifts — from the early church up to the present. (available at The Upper Room)
- As a follow-up to the Bible study, readers and study groups look at ways in which God’s gifts are practical as well as spiritual. Four ministry categories, closely connected to the congregational primary task (receive, relate, equip, send), are identified. Scripture readings, activities, and ways to implement specific ministries are suggested.
- Designed to encourage individuals to discover God’s call to ministry in their own lives, Each One a Minister leads toward practical ways of using gifts in ministries in our congregations and in our communities. An ideal resource for clergy, lay leaders, study groups, and others seeking to identify and use their gifts in meaningful ways.
You will receive the Zoom link in your registration confirmation.
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
For questions, contact Kalesita Faasisila at 510.980.3021.
Organizer
Event Details
Dates: 5 weeks - over daylight saving time for California Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 7 PM PST (5 PM HST/1 PM Wednesday ChST) Tuesdays,
Event Details
Dates: 5 weeks – over daylight saving time for California
- Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 7 PM PST (5 PM HST/1 PM Wednesday ChST)
- Tuesdays, March 12 – April 2, 2024, 7 PM PDT (4 PM HST/Noon Wednesdays ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Cost: $25 for LSM credit, $15 for no LSM credit. The purchase of a book is also required.
- To pay online through the SOUMC website, go to: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1309144 and select the “Lay Servant Course” Fund Designation.
This series is sponsored by North District Lay Servant Ministries and open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts.
This advanced course focuses on the ministry of the lay servant who either regularly or occasionally leads a group or congregation in worship. The instructor is Pastor Royce Porter.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status. This is one of the six classes required to become a Certified Lay Speaker. Other required advanced courses, in addition to the BASIC class for Certified Lay Speaker certification are Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage or United Methodist History, and United Methodist Polity.
- About Certified Lay Servant (CLS) status: After you take the Basic Lay Servant Class, you have 3 years to take an advanced class to qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant. If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay Speaker, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, Planning Worship or Leading Worship, United Methodist Heritage, United Methodist Polity and Preaching. For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Provide your own book: All participants will need a copy of Worshiping with United Methodists by Hoyt Hickman (Amazon, Cokesbury).
View event flyer (JPG)
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
For questions, contact Jean at soumc@sbcglobal.net or 818.789.0351.
Organizer
Event Details
Dates: California: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 PM (PDT) Hawai`i: Mondays, April 8,
Event Details
Dates:
- California: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 PM (PDT)
- Hawai`i: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 2024, 3:00 – 5:00 PM (HST)
- Guam & Saipan: Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
Cost: $15 and the purchase of a book is also required.
Register by: Friday, April 5, 2024
This class is open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts. This class is sponsored by East District Lay Servant Ministries.
- This is one of the six classes required to become a Certified Lay Speaker. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker are invited to attend, as well as those who are seeking to learn more about themselves.
This advanced course offers practical guidelines for avoiding common pitfalls of public prayer. Prayer is something we learn; it is something that can be taught. For many, however, the only teaching about prayer they ever receive is modeled in Sunday worship.
This course may challenge some of your assumptions, test some of your preconceived ideas, stretch your thinking and enrich your prayer life. It will, at the very least, present you with an opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading public prayer.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit.
- The instructor is Rev. Martin Finau Jr., pastor at Temple City First UMC.
- All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend.
- The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status.
- If you have taken the Basic Lay Servant Class within the last three years, taking this advanced class will qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant.
- If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay SPEAKER, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, UM Heritage or History and UM Polity. To learn more about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Provide your own book: Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher (Amazon, Cokesbury)
Zoom information will be sent to you later by the instructor.
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
For questions, contact Khanh Doan, East District Lay Servant Ministries Director, at iamkdoan@gmail.com.
Organizer
Event Details
Dates: California: Wednesdays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (PDT) Hawai`i: Wednesdays, April
Event Details
Dates:
- California: Wednesdays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PDT)
- Hawai`i: Wednesdays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2024, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (HST)
- Guam & Saipan: Thursdays, April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
Cost: $15 and you must acquire your own book (see below)
Register by: Monday, April 8, 2024
This class is open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts (limited to 24 participants), in an online format. This class is sponsored by East District Lay Servant Ministries.
This advanced course is designed to help you understand, identify, and begin using your special God-given abilities.
This is one of the six classes required to become a Certified Lay Speaker. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant or a Certified Lay Speaker are invited to attend, as well as those who are seeking to learn more about themselves.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit.
- The instructor is Pat Hogan, former Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
- All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend.
- The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status.
- If you have taken the Basic Lay Servant Class within the last three years, taking this advanced class will qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant.
- If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay SPEAKER, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, UM Heritage or History and UM Polity. To learn more about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Provide your own book: All participants will need a copy of For the Common Good, Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts by Christine Harman (Amazon, Cokesbury).
Zoom information will be sent to you later by the instructor.
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
For questions, contact Khanh Doan, East District Lay Servant Ministries Director, at iamkdoan@gmail.com.
Organizer
15apr6:30 PMLSM Advanced Course: AI & ChatGPT 4 Church Leaders (Leadership)6:30 PM PDT
Event Details
Dates: 5 Mondays, April 15 - May 13, 2024, 6:30 PM PDT (3:30 PM HST/11:30 AM Tuesdays ChST) Location: online (Zoom)
Event Details
Dates: 5 Mondays, April 15 – May 13, 2024, 6:30 PM PDT (3:30 PM HST/11:30 AM Tuesdays ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Cost: $39/person, $79 up to 4 persons from the same church
- To pay online through the SOUMC website, go to: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1309144 and select the “Lay Servant Course” Fund Designation.
This series is sponsored by North District Lay Servant Ministries in Cal-Pac and open to participants from anyone in the Western Jurisdiction.
AI is more ubiquitous and available than most imagine. The question isn’t if you will use AI in your ministry work but how. The instructors are Kenny Jahng and Jason Moore.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status. This is one of the six classes required to become a Certified Lay Speaker. Other required advanced courses, in addition to the BASIC class for Certified Lay Speaker certification are Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage or United Methodist History, and United Methodist Polity.
- About Certified Lay Servant (CLS) status: After you take the Basic Lay Servant Class, you have 3 years to take an advanced class to qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant. If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay Speaker, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, Planning Worship or Leading Worship, United Methodist Heritage, United Methodist Polity and Preaching. For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Download PDF Guide “Unlock the Power of AI” by Kenny Jahng. Once registered, you will be sent a link to download the PDF Guide.
- Topics:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- What is ChatGPT & How do you use it
- 4 Benefits of ChatGPT/AI Tools for Church Leaders
- Practical & Sample Use Cases
- Best Practices & Best Prompts
- Ethical Considerations for Church Leaders
View event flyer (JPG)
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
For questions, contact Jean at soumc@sbcglobal.net or 818.789.0351.
Organizer
Event Details
Dates: three Wednesdays, April 24 - May 8, 2024, 7 PM PDT (4 PM HST/Noon Thursdays, ChST) Location: online (Zoom)
Event Details
Dates: three Wednesdays, April 24 – May 8, 2024, 7 PM PDT (4 PM HST/Noon Thursdays, ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
Cost: $25 for LSM credit; $15 for no LSM credit. The purchase of a book is also required.
- To pay online through the SOUMC website, go to: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1309144 and select the “Lay Servant Course” Fund Designation.
This 3-week class is open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts. All are welcome!
This course will provide participants with a better understanding of a holistic approach to participation in God’s mission to the world and equip lay servants for more effective missional engagement in their communities and beyond.
About the Class:
- Provide your own book: All participants will need a copy of A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers (available at The Upper Room).
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit. All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend.
- About Certified Lay Servant (CLS) and Certified Lay Speaker status: All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status. If you have taken the Basic Lay Servant Class within the last three years, taking this advanced class will qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant. If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay SPEAKER, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, United Methodist Heritage or History, United Methodist Polity, and GOD’s Mission… Our Journey. For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Your required participation in the “A Day of Hope” outreach will serve as 4 hours of the 10 contact hours needed for this Advanced LSM Course.
View event flyer (JPG)
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
For questions, contact Jean at soumc@sbcglobal.net or 818.789.0351.
Organizer
27apr10:30 AM3:30 PM"A Day of Hope" Mission Service Project @Hope Gardens10:30 AM - 3:30 PM PDT
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM PDT Location: Union Rescue Mission Hope Gardens (12249
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM PDT
Location: Union Rescue Mission Hope Gardens (12249 Lopez Canyon Rd, Sylmar, CA 91342)
Cost: $29 (including T-shirt, lunch, certificate, & pin)
This event is sponsored and hosted by Cal-Pac Lay Servant Ministries, Cal-Pac Camping & Retreat Ministries, Cal-Pac Urban Kids Camp, Sherman Oaks UMC, Knollwood UMC, and Crenshaw UMC.
“A Day of Hope” @ Hope Gardens is a one-day Mission-Service Project focused on fun, fellowship, outreach, encouragement, and hope in the North District. It is a partnership event between UM churches and Ministries committed to making a difference in our communities and a effort to prepare the young people at Hope Gardens for their summer camp season and future lives.
Hope Gardens is a beautiful residential ministries in the foothills of Sylmar, CA, created by Union Rescue Mission to serve women and their children who have been impacted by domestic violence and homelessness.
Ways to serve:
- Have fun as you get to know the families at Hope Gardens and folks from other UM churches. (Just practice the Ministry of Presence.)
- Play challenge & group building games like archery, low ropes course, laser tag, gaga ball pit, play in the jump house, nerf tournament, face painting, giant jenge & connect four games. (Play!)
- Camp Wrightwood staff and Cal-Pac Camp & Retreat Ministries staff will bring and run a gigantic inflatable obstacle course for everyone.
- We will have a Silent Dance Party! (Dance!)
- We will have a Worship, a DJ, and top notch Youth/Young Adult speakers to encourage and challenge all the young people present to reach for their dreams and renew their hope.
- Share your testimonies/stories or be a part of our joint church praise team. (Share)
- We will have face painting and a cool craft opportunity to commemorate this outreach.
- We will enjoy a pizza lunch and treats like cotton candy machine, fresh popped popcorn, shaved ice. (Break bread together.)
Who can participate:
- everyone of any age who would like to take part (but there is a brief safety screening process)
- Youth, Young People, & Young Adults
- people with a heart for service
- people wanting to make a difference
- people passionate about offering hope
What you will receive by registering for this event:
- a Cal-Pac North District Mission Service Project Outreach T-shirt
- a feeling that you’re making a difference knowing you are serving and encouraging those less fortunate than yourself
- a Certificate of Participation and community service credit
- a lot of fun!
- growing your network of friends as you get to know Hope Garden families and your fellow UM friends from other church fellowships
- a Mission-Service gift pin to commemorate your service
Attn: Lay Servants!
- Your required participation in this outreach will serve as 4 hours of the 10 contact hours needed for the new Advanced LSM Course “GOD’s Mission… Our Journey.”
How your church or organization help further:
- Besides your presence, we are encouraging churches to donate camping supplies to help the young people at Hope Gardens to be prepared for upcoming summer camp experiences. Here is a sample list of what you might donate:
- medium/large-size duffle bags
- sleeping bags
- flashlights & batteries
- hypo-allergenic sunscreen lotion
- bug repellant spray
- aluminum water bottles
- pool towels, hand towels, wash cloths
- gift card to a sporting goods store, Wal-Mart
- travel Bibles
- You can give an extra monetary gift for this event and camping supplies for the Hope Garden’s young people:
- Click the following link and select the “Hope Gardens Gift” option: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1309144
- Call Jean Castro at Sherman Oaks UMC with your debit/credit card info at 818.789.0351
- Mail a check to 14401 Dickens St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 – payable to “SOUMC” with “Hope Gardens Gift” in the memo
Join us!
For questions, contact:
- email or call Jean Castro, Registrar at Sherman Oaks UMC, at 818.789.0351 or soumc@sbcglobal.net
- email or text Feni Obi, SOUMC Outreach Area Team Leader, at 818.277.5228 or feniobi@aol.com
- email or text Pastor Garth Gilliam at 818.429.8843 or garthgilliam@gmail.com
Event Details
Dates: 5 Thursdays, May 2-30, 2024, 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM PDT (5:30 PM HST/1:30 PM Fridays ChST) Location: online (Zoom)
Event Details
Dates: 5 Thursdays, May 2-30, 2024, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM PDT (5:30 PM HST/1:30 PM Fridays ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
Cost: $15 and you must provide your own book (see below)
Register by: Sunday, April 30, 2024
This course sponsored by Hawai`i District Lay Servant Ministries and is open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts. The class size will max at 25 participants and registration will close if that number is reached.
This an advance course introduced at the Association of Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries (ACDLSM) in January 2022. The author of the textbook is Bishop Kenneth Carder who also wrote “Living Our Beliefs” the text for the Heritage course.
This course will help lay servant ministers understand dementia from a spiritual standpoint and become more comfortable ministering with all people especially those affected by this and similar conditions. Together we will learn about dementia, see people with dementia as disciples of Jesus and discover how to relate to them in a helpful manner. The five sessions will cover:
Session 1: Dementia as a Medical and Theological Challenge (and an Opportunity)
Session 2: We Are More than Our Capacities
Session 3: Incarnation and the Ministry of Presence
Session 4: Dementia, Discipleship, and Grief
Session 5: Toward a Dementia-Friendly Church (to really be the church)
- All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker are invited to attend, as well as those who are seeking to learn more about themselves.
- About Certified Lay Servant (CLS) and Certified Lay Speaker status: All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Servant are invited to attend. The BASIC class and one Advanced Class is required to successfully apply for Certified Lay Servant status. If you have taken the Basic Lay Servant Class within the last three years, taking this advanced class will qualify you as a Certified Lay Servant. If you want to continue on to being a Certified Lay SPEAKER, you will need to take the following advanced classes: Preaching, Leading or Planning Worship, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, United Methodist Heritage or History, and United Methodist Polity. For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit.
- The instructor is Winnie Ching, Hawai`i District Lay Servant Ministries Director.
- Provide your own book: All participants will need a copy of “Ministry with the Forgotten, Dementia through a Spiritual Lens” by Kenneth L. Carder (Amazon, Cokesbury). Be sure to get the participant version and not the leader guide.
Zoom information will be sent to you later by the instructor.
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW
For questions, contact Winnie Ching, Hawai`i District Lay Servant Ministries Director, at wingin322@yahoo.com.
Organizer
Certified Lay Ministries (CLM) Classes
A Certified Lay Minister serves as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson. Learn more >>
Event Details
***Update [3/7/2024]: This class has been rescheduled from Saturday mornings to Thursday evenings in April.*** Dates: four Thursdays, April 4-25, 2024, 5:30 PM
Event Details
***Update [3/7/2024]: This class has been rescheduled from Saturday mornings to Thursday evenings in April.***
Dates: four Thursdays, April 4-25, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM PDT (2:30 PM HST/10:30 AM Fridays ChST)
Location: online (Zoom)
Cost: $75 + the purchase or borrowing of three books is also required.
Registration due: April 2, 2024
This course is open to participants from all Cal-Pac districts. A minimum number of participants is required; if the class is canceled because not enough people register, registrants will be notified by email and those who have paid will be refunded. The maximum number of participants is 24.
Students will study the meaning of our Sacraments, worship and Hymnody in the Wesleyan tradition.
All those seeking certification as a Certified Lay Minister are invited to participate. This course is a required course for those seeking Certified Lay Minister status. For more about Certified Lay Ministry, visit the CLM web page at www.calpacumc.org/clm.
- For Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Servants, this course can be an Advanced LSM Course. The Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries has approved this course as satisfying the requirement for Advanced LSM Leading Worship for those seeking Certified Lay Speaker status.
This course is also open to anyone who would like to attend for self-improvement/edification purposes.
- Attendance is required at all sessions for credit, as well as a two-hour assignment beyond the classroom, for a total of 10 hours.
- Instructor is the Rev. Dr. Faith Conklin, a retired elder in the California-Pacific Conference. She has previously served as a District Superintendent and is the Director for the Western Jurisdiction Course of Study. She has taught Worship & Sacraments for over 25 years.
- Materials: Participants should have a copy of the following books via purchase or borrowing from your local church (recommended):
Zoom information will be included in your confirmation email.
- Technical requirements: To participate in Zoom meetings, participants must have a reliable Internet connection, and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device that can download and install the Zoom app. A web or phone camera and a microphone are highly recommended, although some users may call in via phone if a mic is not available.
For questions, contact CLM Registrar Denise Serino at deeserino@gmail.com.
Organizer
RESOURCES
00. LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES (LSM)
See brochure about becoming a Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, or Certified Lay Minister:
01. CURRENT RESOURCES
- Cal-Pac LSM Newsletters (PDF):
- UMC Discipleship Ministries
- BeADisciple.com Courses
05. CONTACT
Rev. Garth Gilliam
Conference Director, Lay Servant Ministries
818.429.8843 | garthgilliam@gmail.com
East District:
- Khanh Doan
East District Director, Lay Servant Ministries
951.214.3151 | iamkdoan@gmail.com
Hawaiʻi District:
- Winifred Ching
Hawaiʻi District Director, Lay Servant Ministries
808.692.6638 | wingin322@yahoo.com
North District:
- Rev. Kalesita Tu’ifua
North District Director, Lay Servant Ministries
818.284.3495 | kutuifua@yahoo.com
South District:
- Melissa Basch
South District Director, Lay Servant Ministries
619.246.7702 | mbasch@cox.net
West District:
- Caydene Monk
West District Co-Director, Lay Servant Ministries
213.358.1835 | caydenerr@gmail.com - Pastor Royce Porter
West District Co-Director, Lay Servant Ministries
310.977.2349 | porter.royce@gmail.com