Downey United Methodist Church. Models of Churches

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1 Making a Difference for Christ in Downey and beyond Downey United Methodist Church Volume 2017, Issue 1 January 25, 2017 Models of Churches There are many church models of operation. These models are good depending on the context and time of their implementation. A church model focuses in one particular element of the church life. For example, the building-driven church model does everything around the building. The sanctuary becomes the focus of the growth and the central feature of the church s life. It is the center of the church operation. This model worked in the 50s and 60s. Churches were built as cathedrals to attract members, and yes, people were attracted successfully. Unfortunately, this model won t work for today because people nowadays are not depended on buildings anymore. It was good for the past and the model fulfilled its time. There is also the clergy-driven church model. The focus of the ministry is the pastor and the life of the church depends on the minister. The church becomes codependent on the spiritual leaders. This is a model that still is common among non-denominational churches although some of the denominational churches have adopted it. The problem with the model is that the church s life is contingent to the clergy. Once the pastors are moved, everything collapses because they sustained the ministry of the church. Churches even adopt the pastor s personality because they become an extension of who pastors are. There are, however, two models that I find very helpful and appropriate for the time and context in which we live. They are the purpose-driven and the mission-driven church. I find the models being similar. The purpose-driven church takes the mission statement and works around it in every area of the church s ministry. The mission statement is the why we exist as church; therefore, this is our purpose for existence. This is the reason the model is called purpose-driven. The church takes this purpose or mission statement and apply it in all the activities and ministries that it implements. The life of the church is the purpose for what it exists. That purpose sustains the church. On the other hand, the mission-driven church model focus on the community. Researches show that when congregations develop a more missional outlook of ministry, they embody a sense of mission and vision to reach out to others who are not yet part of the church s life. Without this underlying focus, the chances of growing a church will be very limited. The type of leadership that makes growth possible in the church is one that is passionate for programs needed to reach out beyond themselves. Let s enter a time of discernment to find out where is God leading us in the ministry of Downey UMC. Pastor Saul Montiel

2 January 25, 2017 page 2 From My Corner Nursery School Happenings We welcomed back our students after a nice vacation with our family and loved ones. We also welcomed a few new smiling faces. Since January brings about cold and blustery weather, the children have learned about the temperature outside. Some children have never touched snow, so we try to bring it to them. The children had an opportunity to play with our pretend snow (instant snow). Others might have gone to the mountains and experienced the fun and coldness of snow. The children had fun dressing for the cold weather with gloves, mittens, scarves, and snow hats. They also had fun with their classroom snowball fights (cotton balls). We will have our traditional Pajamas Day Parade where the children can bring their favorite stuffed animals or dolls and parade around the playground in their warm pajamas. Afterwards, they will warm up with some hot chocolate & mini marshmallows! Margot Villa Nursery School Director The first Sunday of every year we remember the visit of those Wise Men who presented to the child Jesus those gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh which became interesting meanings of the religious and human life. After that we remember four gifts that in our times have become parts of the discipline of the CHURCH. These four gifts are Presence, Devotion, Gifts and Service which we know were inspired and known through Jesus Christ, son of God, our Great Provider God who helps us to be women and men, children and youth to be wise and human beings serving and loving the CHURCH where we are living and sharing our Love, Faith and Hope. Peace and love Pastor David El primer Domingo de cada ano recordamos la visita de arguellos Reyes Magos quienes presentaron al niño Jesús arguellos dones del oro, incienso y mirra los cuales vinieron a ser interesantes símbolos de la vida humana y religiosa. Después de esto podemos recordar cuarto dones que en nuestro días han venido a ser parte de la Disciplina de nuestra Iglesia los cuales son Presencia, Devoción, Dones y Servicio que han sido inspirados y conocidos a través de Jesucristo, Hijo de Dios, nuestro gran Proveedor Dios nos ayude a nosotros, para ser mujeres y hombres, niños y jóvenes para ser seres humanos y sabios sirviendo y amando la Iglesia donde estamos viviendo y compartiendo nuestro Amor, Fe y Esperanza. Paz y amor Pastor David

3 January 25, 2017 page 3 Birthdays in February 2 Elaine Held 14 Jennifer Kuhlman 3 Briana Montiel 16 Lee Wright 3 Robert Fredericks 17 Matthew Thomas 5 Margot Villa 19 Salvador Reyes 5 Douglas Wassgren Sr. 21 Florence Towers 6 Kathryn White 23 Katie Holland 10 Emma Benavides 24 Olivia Guzman 10 Emily Benavides 26 Dan Paul Jr. 12 Alicia Edquist 27 DeMaris Koenig 12 Freddy Malala 13 Scott Thomas 13 Frank Wm. Hornberger Focus Deadline The next Focus will be mailed on February 15, If you are submitting an article to be published, the deadline will be February 22, 2017 Thanks for your cooperation. Evelyn Haynie Please don t forget to sign-up for dedicated Sunday morning Sanctuary flowers. Contact Evelyn, in the Church office for more information at The cost for the Altar Flowers is $40.00 Prepared for DOWNEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NPO #83815 (Cycle 17, Qtr 1) Dear DOWNEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, The Kroger Family of Stores is committed to bringing hope and help to local communities. We do this through a variety of activities, including charitable giving, sponsorships and the unique Community Contributions Program at Ralphs. We are also committed to carefully protecting our customers' personal information. In order to meet their expectation of privacy, we have adopted a simple policy to never share a customer's personal information. Our privacy policy applies to Community Contributions participation as well. As your neighborhood food retailer, we deeply value our ability to support local organizations like yours. Ralphs has supported the communities in Southern California where we operate since 1873 and continues to make our communities a better place to work and live. Your supporters (1 households) who shopped at Ralphs between and (Cycle 17, Qtr 1) have contributed to your $13.28 total donation. Because your total quarterly contribution is less than $25, which is the minimum check amount, you will not be receiving a check at this time. This amount will be held and combined with your next quarter's contribution total until your contribution amount exceeds $25. At the time your total contribution reaches $25, or at the end of the next program term, your organization will then receive a check. If you have any questions, please community.programs@ralphs.com or visit our website at to review the terms and conditions. Thank you for your continued support of your local Ralphs store. If your participants would like to see Ralphs contribution made on their behalf, these individual donation amounts are now available online. Please ask your participants sign in to their individual online account at then scroll to the Community Rewards section on their account page. The contribution made from the most recent payout based on their purchases is shown in the Community Rewards section. Don't forget to use your newsletter, website, and events to encourage your supporters to link to your organization. The more your supporters shop with us, the more money your organization will earn! Thank you, Community Rewards Staff

4 January 25, 2017 Downey United Methodist Church Downey Avenue Downey, CA The Focus published by Downey United Methodist Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Downey, CA Permit No Change Service Requested Staff Information Senior Pastor Rev. Saul Montiel Pastor of Hispanic Ministries El Rdo. David Achón Administrator/Financial Secretary Evelyn Haynie Generations Kathi Verstegen February Anniversary 4 Lawrence & Susan Edquist Nursery School Director Margot Villa Music Leader Custodians Jeremy Gilien Raymond Castaneda Lidia Lara Downey United Methodist Church Downey Avenue Downey, CA Phone: (562) Fax: (562) Monday & Friday 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Visit our DUMC website at Sunday Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Rev. Saul Montiel Preaching Servicios en español con Pastor David Achón

5 Agnes Arnold s Grandson Billy Arnold Agnes Arnold s Grandson, Billy Arnold, is a 4th year student at USC s School of Dentistry and a member of the USC DHOP (Dental Humanitarian Outreach Program). DHOP ( uscdhop.com) is a student-run, volunteer organization with the goal of providing the highest quality of periodontal treatment, operative dentistry, and oral surgery to those that need it most in underserved communities around the globe. In December, the brigade of 40 Dental Students, 6 Professional Dentists (USC Alumni), 3 Members of the USC Dental School Faculty (and one volunteer parent Billy s Dad/Agnes s son Bill) traveled to the deprived suburbs of Seam Reap Cambodia for 8 days to operate a Dental Clinic that served over 400 underprivileged children and adults of all ages. Since 2009, the DHOP volunteers have embarked on an annual trip to locations including Kenya, Honduras, Columbia, and Philippines among others to provide care that would normally be unavailable. Throughout their self-funded travels, the group has experienced new challenges, extreme personal and professional growth, and truly learned the importance of dedicated public service.

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