Work Areas

Work areas are the roots which are at the foundation of a Methodist church. They are comprised of many church and staff members that meet in various groups to budget, plan, and help oversee everything from church finance to music programs; mission activities outside the church to the lighting of the candles in worship services. Members of these committees enjoy fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and get firsthand experience at the inner workings of a thriving, growing church.

If you are interested in becoming involved in any of our work areas or need more information about the work areas, please contact Sharon Harman at the church office (968-7120 ext. 205).


Administrative Council

According to the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, the Administrative Council is the group that "shall provide for planning and implementing a program of nurture, outreach, witness, and resources in the local church. It shall also provide for the administration of its organization and temporal life. It shall envision, plan, implement, and annually evaluate the mission and ministry of the church."

The membership of the Ad Council at DGFUMC includes the pastors, officers (chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurers), lay members to annual conference, chairpersons of each work area, directors (staff members), UMW president, and members-at-large. All other church members are invited to attend the meetings and participate in discussion, although only the Ad Council members can vote.

Chair: 
Dan Johnson

Adult Education

The Adult Education work area provides and promotes regular, special, and unique educational opportunities that challenge the mind, enliven the spirit and lead to a deeper understanding of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, through a personal and faith community commitment to faithful witness and compassionate service.


Upcoming Adult Education Foundations Classes


October 2nd, 2011 - What is AUB?
A Minister's Journey to Understanding God, Religion, and the Church - Four retired ministers share what they learned over the course of their ministry.


October 9th, 2011 - Howard Milkman
Howard works for Samaritan Interfaith as a counselor after serving in the Presbyterian ministry.


October 16th, 2011 - John Gillham
John is a retired Methodist minister and currently helps to lead small groups to understand the Bible.


October 23rd, 2011 - Fred Conger
Fred served this church for 20 years before he retired. He still likes to lead groups or fill in for vacationing ministers.

Chair: 
Carol Lysne

Board of Gifts and Bequests

The purpose of the Board of Gifts and Bequests is to support the life and mission of the First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove. The Board promotes the growth of the church's endowed funds, in support of its ministry within the community. Through prudent administrative and investment policy, the Board strives to ensure the church's endowed funds remain a vital force for the church and its congregation for generations to come.

Chair: 
David Ficht

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the church buildings and other properties.

Chair: 
Bryan Dwyer

Bridge

Chair: 
Anne Miller

Children and Family Ministries

This work area carries the overall responsibility for the children’s ministries, birth through grade 6 and family ministries within the church.

Chair: 
Maureen Dunn

Church and Society

This work area encourages study and action in the areas of world peace and order, human welfare, political and human rights, social and economic justice, environmental justice and survival.

Chair: 
Laura Guest

Environmental Stewardship

The Environmental Stewardship Work Area helps us become responsible stewards of God's creation, and care for humankind. We

  • Provide environmental education
  • Encourage individual and corporate green living habits
  • Help the church take steps to make our facilities more energy efficient and earth friendly
  • Provide avenues for environmental social action
Chair: 
Tom Roose

Finance

This work area is responsible for providing other work areas with annual budget planning and guidelines. The work area develops the Stewardship campaign budget. They develop and implement plans with will raise sufficient income to meet the budget adopted by the Administrative Council.

Chair: 
Sandra VerBeek

Health and Wellness

This work area works to keep the congregation informed on health and safety issues.

Chair: 
Sophie Bowerman

Membership Development

This work area’s goal is to maintain and increase membership by serving and moving our congregation’s ministry forward.

Chair: 
Mary Carver

Missions

This work area shares in missions that serve locally, nationally and extends around the globe, supports ministries for children, youth and older persons, advocates peace and justice for the whole human family, brings food to the hungry and supports missionaries.

Chair: 
Jean Krusinski

Nominations

Chair: 
Pastor Greta McDonald

Stewardship

This work area interprets the Biblical basis for stewardship consistent with the doctrine of the UMC and informs the Church through educational channels and study materials.

Chair: 
Scott Curry & John Inabnit

Worship

This work area provides and coordinates support for all worship related activities, through the work of coordinators, staff members, and volunteers. Responsibilities include organizing: acolytes, altar flowers, communion stewards, lay readers, liturgical dancers, organists, parking lot attendants, sound booth attendants, as well as both regular and special music programs (three children’s choirs, The Connection, Chapel Choir, Chancel Choir, and two Bell Choirs).

Chair: 
Matthew Paciorek

Youth Ministries

This work area is comprised of leaders from all youth programs from 7th grade to post high school.

Chair: 
Rebecca Ficht

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