Committee Members
Jessica Busse, Chair
Holly Schmidt, Secretary
Mandy O’Donnell, Treasurer & Confirmation Course Aide
Judy Rosedale, Camp Fund Coordinator
Jacob M. Guerra-Martinez, Programming Coordinator
Rita S. Barth, Faith Forward Adventures Lead Teacher
Grace Pastor, Faith Forward Adventures Assistant
Rev. Jon Gilbert Martinez, Pastor, Teacher, & Ex-officio
Mission
The Faith Forward Commission serves as an advisory board to the pastor in shaping and guiding Christian Education for all ages within our congregation. The Chair serves as a facilitator and coordinator, collaborating closely with the Pastor to implement Christian Education for all ages.
Our Sunday School, Faith Forward Adventures, meets every other Sunday at 9:30 AM. Children will start by joining their families for the worship service, followed by a dedicated Children’s Storytime before heading to the Sunday School classroom. The elected curriculum this year is IllustratedMinistry.
Core Values
- Lifelong Learning: Foster a love of learning about God’s word and growing in faith from childhood to adulthood.
- Inclusion and Affirmation: Strive to create a welcoming and safe space where everyone feels affirmed in their ability and identity, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Progressive Approach: Aim to present Christian education in a relevant and engaging way for all generations.
- Wholesome Theology: Belief in teaching the core tenets of Christianity to promote love, acceptance, and social responsibility.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee curriculum: Work with the pastor to create and manage a comprehensive Christian education curriculum for all ages.
- Lead study sessions: Commission members may occasionally lead study sessions or workshops on various topics related to faith and spirituality.
- Encourage participation: Actively encourage congregation members and visitors to participate in Christian education programs and activities.
- Fundraising: Assist in promoting and raising funds for Christian education initiatives, including the Rev. Dr. George Goebel Scholarship.
- Manage Funds: Work to oversee the HUG Camp Fund, Comstock Fund, and the Rev. Dr. George Goebel Scholarship.
- Supervision: Ensure all commission members and volunteers teaching on behalf of the commission undergo a background check according to the Safe Church Policy.
