An Invitation from Pastor Doug
Isaiah 42:1-9 inspired Jesus! When he attended synagogue as a child he certainly heard Isaiah’s promise of one who would open eyes and hearts, liberating them from ignorance and hate.
42 But here is my servant, the one I uphold;
my chosen, who brings me delight.
I’ve put my spirit upon him;
he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He won’t cry out or shout aloud
or make his voice heard in public.
3 He won’t break a bruised reed;
he won’t extinguish a faint wick,
but he will surely bring justice.
4 He won’t be extinguished or broken
until he has established justice in the land.
The coastlands await his teaching.
5 God the Lord says—
the one who created the heavens,
the one who stretched them out,
the one who spread out the earth and its offspring,
the one who gave breath to its people
and life to those who walk on it—
6 I, the Lord, have called you for a good reason.
I will grasp your hand and guard you,
and give you as a covenant to the people,
as a light to the nations,
7 to open blind eyes, to lead the prisoners from prison,
and those who sit in darkness from the dungeon.
8 I am the Lord;
that is my name;
I don’t hand out my glory to others
or my praise to idols.
9 The things announced in the past—look—they’ve already happened,
but I’m declaring new things.
Before they even appear,
I tell you about them.
I believe God called the nation of Israel for a good reason in a particular season of its life and did truly take Jesus by the hand in a different season so he could fulfill God’s purpose on earth as in heaven. I also believe God in Christ calls us still today, equipping us to breathe new life into tired routines, moribund institutions, and unjust systems. We do not need to feel bound by these but can be liberated by the same Spirit which is at work in Jesus Christ.
Our church is rebuilding a Lay Leadership Committee to help us listen prayerfully for where God is calling members and friends to serve in this season—offering leadership that is a blessing both to the individual and to the church. This team identifies potential leaders, supports them throughout the year, and ensures each role remains meaningful and life-giving. The team currently includes Janet Elm, Barb Julian and Pastor Doug, who will be joined this year by Katie Murphy and John Holly. We invite you to join our team in praying for our current and emerging servant leaders, and to consider where your own gifts and passions might be calling you to serve.
In addition to praying for the success of our entire core of servant leaders of CUMC listed HERE, please also give God thanks for new leaders listed below and prayerfully consider servant leadership in an area where vacancies are noted so that our ministry reflects our rich diversity of perspectives and experiences. We need you!
Barb Julian
Purpose: Primary spiritual leader among the laity; connects congregation and conference.
Key Responsibilities:
- Encourages and supports the laity in discipleship
- Interprets the role of the laity in ministry
- Serves as a bridge between pastor, congregation, and district
- Represents the laity at charge conference
Barb Julian; Alternate: TBD
Purpose: Represent the congregation at the Annual Conference, where the church makes decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend annual conference sessions
- Participate in worship, legislation, and holy conferencing
- Report conference actions back to the congregation
Chair: Dana Buckwalter (NEW)
Vice Chair: Charlie Moore
Purpose: Provide vision, coordination, and oversight of congregational ministry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Discern mission and ministry priorities
- Coordinate program ministries
- Ensure alignment with the church’s mission
Chair: Ukiah Austin (NEW)
Purpose: Steward the church’s financial resources faithfully.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare budgets
- Oversee financial policies
- Promote generosity and stewardship
Julie Peterson stepping down as chair. New leaders elected by Board of Trustees meeting 1/22
Purpose: Care for property, assets, and legal responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain church buildings and grounds
- Ensure legal compliance
- Manage insurance and risk
Vacancies! Interested in joining? Contact Pastor Doug.
Chair: Mary Beth Holly (NEW)
Purpose: Nurture healthy relationships between clergy, staff, and congregation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support and evaluate clergy and staff
- Address concerns confidentially
- Encourage clergy well-being
Vacancies! Interested in joining? Contact Pastor Doug. Must be a church member.
Purpose: Equip laypersons for leadership and service beyond the local church.
Roles Include:
- Certified Lay Servant
- Certified Lay Speaker
- Certified Lay Minister (specialized, missional role)
Interested in exploring mission beyond CUMC? Contact Pastor Doug.
Purpose: Lead specific ministry areas.
Common Roles:
- Worship leaders
- Christian education leaders
- Small group coordinators
- Outreach and mission team leaders
- Youth and children’s ministry volunteers
- Social Justice coordination
Interested in starting a small group or supporting an existing one? Contact Pastor Doug.
Mike Castagnola, Barb Julian, Mary Kurfess, Mary Beth Holly
Purpose: Assist or lead worship under pastoral oversight.
Key Responsibilities:
- Read Scripture
- Lead prayer
- Occasionally preach (with authorization)
Vacancies! Interested in joining? Contact Pastor Doug.
We believe that leadership in the church is not about control or status, but about care, courage, and commitment. It is about saying yes, not because the work is easy, but because the Spirit is still at work among us.
If you have wondered whether your gifts matter, hear this good news: they do. If you have hesitated because you feel unqualified, remember that God has always worked through willing hearts. If you are tired, know that servant leadership is shared, supported, and sustained by grace.
In this season, we invite you to pray, discern, and consider where God may be calling you to serve—not alone, but together. The church does not move forward by programs alone, but by people who are willing to be shaped by love for the sake of the world.
Your Brother in Christ,
Doug
