STAFF

Ms. Stacey Brown

Finance Coordinator
Ms. Brown works in our Finance Department, processing payroll and helping with day-to-day finance activities. She also performs Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable functions.

Ms. Joanna Chong

Wedding Coordinator
Ms. Chong arranges and directs wedding rehearsals and church wedding receptions.

Dr. R. Scott Colglazier

Senior Minister
As Senior Minister, Dr. Colglazier functions as the CEO of our organization. He oversees the planning and implementation of worship and service details and serves as officiant for weekly and special worship services. In addition, Dr. Colglazier represents First Church to the greater community at large through his writings, interviews and public appearances.

Mr. Stewart W. Foster

Organist in Residence
Mr. Foster plays the Great Organs for most weekly and special services, and accompanies the Cathedral Choir in rehearsal and performance. In addition to planning and playing weekly Midday Organ Concerts, he also is involved with planning the annual Organ Concert Series, as well as the Los Angeles Bach Festival.

Ms. Rachel Garcia

Program Coordinator
Ms. Garcia assists with Sunday services and events on the First Church calendar.

Ms. Jade lin Hornbaker

Music Department Coordinator
Ms. Hornbaker handles the day-to-day operations of the Music Department of First Church, providing administrative support to the Director of Music and the Organist in Residence. She also maintains music department mailing lists and gives administrative support for the Organ Concert Series as well as the Los Angeles Bach Festival.

Ms. Kim-Minh Huberwald

Director of Communications
In addition to designing all advertising campaigns and publications for First Church, Ms. Huberwald edits The Meetinghouse, coordinates PR and website contractors, and works closely with Dr. Colglazier on the look and the message of First Church.

Ms. Jaebon Hwang

Organ Scholar
Under the supervision of the Organist in Residence, Ms. Hwang is occasionally featured as an accompanist to solos or choral pieces, and plays worship services when neither the Organist in Residence nor the Assistant Organist are available. She also plays the Great Organs for Pilgrim School all-school chapel services.

Ms. Julianne James

Interim we of Children's Ministry
Ms. James is responsible for planning and implementing our First Kids First program. She works with other First Kids First staff, recruits and trains volunteers and communicates often with parents while ensuring a safe environment where children can grow in our inspiring community.

Ms. Susan Leary

Chief Administrative Officer
Ms. Leary serves as Chief Administrative Office for our organization, overseeing Finance, Facilities and Human Resources. Ms. Leary works closely with lay leaders to provide support to ministries and programs.

Mr. Leo Lopez

Facilities Manager
Mr. Lopez is responsible for the day-to-day operations, general maintenance, repairs, replacement and improvements of the FCCLA campus. He is responsible for coordinating and supervising the work provided by outside contractors, vendors and volunteers. Mr. Lopez works closely with the CAO to ensure smooth operations of all the buildings and equipment.

Mrs. Mary Natalizio

Finance Manager
Mrs. Natalizio manages daily operations of the Finance Department, including monitoring daily cash, implementing investment decisions and facilitating the month-end close process. She also performs Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable functions, which includes the tracking of donations, pledges and processing bill payment.

Heather Priest

Executive Assistant to the Senior Minister
Ms. Priest is responsible for providing executive level administrative support to the Senior Minister as it relates to coordinating activities between the Senior Minister and the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, FCCLA Council and partnerships outside of FCCLA. She works with the organization staff at all levels to complete projects of a complex and confidential nature.

Mr. Jose Reyes

Director of Technology
Mr. Reyes serves as Director of Technology for both First Church and Pilgrim School. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing issues related to computers, internet connectivity, phone systems and Audio/Visual equipment for activities related to the church and school.

Mr. Curtis Rhodes

Director of Programs
Mr. Rhodes works as part of the ministerial team producing and overseeing all of the events on the First Church calendar. In addition to that, he remains an integral part of the Communications team, helping to publicize our fantastic programs.

Mr. Thomas Hunter Russell

Assistant Organist
In addition to playing for various weddings and memorial/funeral services, Mr. Russell substitutes for the Organist in Residence when called upon, playing for morning worship services.

Rev. Ryan Steitz

Associate Minister
As Associate Minister, Rev. Steitz is responsible for collaborating with the Senior Minister in order to provide pastoral leadership to the congregation. Rev. Steitz also assists with adult education, providing biblical, spiritual and developmental theory support and program instruction. He serves as a co-leader in small group and Young Adult Ministry as well as provides pastoral care to individual congregants.

Rev. Shanna K. Steitz

Associate Minister
Rev. Shanna Steitz serves as a leader in Annual Giving and Stewardship Programs. She assists with new member recruitment while working closely with prospective members, and engaging new members in the life of the Church. Rev. Steitz is also responsible for the development and upkeep of the Church database and all pastoral contacts as well as participates in the liturgy of our weekly worship services.

Dr. Jonathan Talberg

Director of Music / Artistic Director for Los Angeles Bach Festival
As Director of Music for First Church, Dr. Talberg conducts the Cathedral Choir, works with ministerial staff to plan music for weekly and special services. Additionally, Dr. Talberg oversees the artistic planning of the Los Angeles Bach Festival, conducting the Los Angeles Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra in yearly concerts.

Ms. Elizabeth Unrath

Human Resources Manager
Ms. Unrath handles human resources matters, administers benefits and assists managers with hiring decisions.

TOP

 

LAYGROUPS

Board of Deacons

The Board of Deacons assists in all liturgical services throughout the year. If you are interested in joining the Board of Deacons, please contact Edward Delap, Chair of the Deacons, at ehdelap@aol.com, or submit a letter of interest to the Deacons.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meets monthly and is responsible for overseeing financial and operational business of the congregation. If you are interested in joining the Board of Trustees, please submit a letter of interest to Thomas Hunter Russell, Chair of the Trustees.

Church Council

The Church Council is made up of representatives from all of the various boards and committees of the church. If you are interested in being a part of the Church Council, please tell the committee(s) or board(s) that you belong to that you would like to be nominated to be a representative.

The mission of the Outreach Committee of First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is to represent the congregation in serving the greater community and seek to improve people's lives. Falling under the prevue of the Board of Deacons, the Outreach Committee selects First Church partner charities, decides and defines the scope of support by the Church, coordinates outreach activities with each recipient charity, recruits members of the congregation to personally support the programs, creates awareness of the Committee's role, and provides evidence of the witness of First Church.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild arranges for flower and candle dedications at every Sunday worship service. They also decorate the Sanctuary for all of the major holidays. If you would like to join the Altar Guild, please submit a letter of interest to them at the First Church Office.

This dedicated and friendly group of women and men offers fellowship and volunteer opportunities, as well as providing outreach to people in our community who are in need. They gather for monthly luncheons and programs, October through December, and February through June. Guests are welcome. Membership dues are $8 per year. If you are interested in attending the monthly luncheons, please call the church for current schedule and to make your reservations.

Ushers

The Ushers report to the Board of Deacons and help with the Sunday worship service. They assist people in finding seating, distribute worship bulletins and collect the weekly offerings.

Cedar Lake Camp Committee

The Cedar Lake Camp Committee plans and monitors issues and activities related to Cedar Lake Camp, such as budget, WorkOut Weekend and the All Church Family Retreat. The main core of this committee is made up from members of the Board of Trustees. If you would like to be part of the Cedar Lake Camp Committee, please submit a letter of interest to the Chair of the Cedar Lake Camp Committee or to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee works with the Senior Minister and Music staff to plan special worship services. They also meet to discuss themes and ideas for liturgical seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Building and Grounds Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee makes decisions concerning the building, renovation projects, and artwork placement within the facility. If you are interested in being involved with the Building and Grounds Committee, please submit a letter of interest to the Church Office.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting new members, as well as helping with new member orientations throughout the year. The chair of the Membership Committee is always a Deacon, but anyone can be involved in the committee. If you are interested please submit a letter of interest to the Church Office.

TOP

 

PROGRAMS

First Kids First

First Kids First is more than Sunday school. Kids age 3^rd through the 5^th Grade grow nearer to God through crafts, play, prayer, music, drama and exploring the holy with other children and adults. First Kids First celebrates God's activity in their midst in an inclusive and progressive atmosphere in-step with the church they're already an important part of.

First Kids First meets during the Adult Education time from 9:30-10:45 and again from 11:15-12:00. Children are welcome for either time and encouraged to be present for both! So that children know that they are always welcome in worship we ask that they begin the service with their families each Sunday. Following the Blessing of the Children, children are escorted to First Kids First with a staff member.

For more information or to register a child, contact Julianne James at 213.355.5259 or jjames@fccla.org.

Adult Education

At First Church we are a journey church. That is, we believe any relationship with God is a journey of discovery, not a destination. On this journey we discover more about God and about ourselves when we study and share experiences together. This sharing and growth is the aim of every adult education offering. Watch our newsletter The Meetinghouse for our latest opportunities or contact Rev. Ryan Steitz at 213.355.5232 or rsteitz@fccla.org.

Discovery Series

Southern California has so much to offer that many of us never take the time to explore its treasures. Open to people of all ages, our Discover Series is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and fun as we go to museums, concerts, plays and a wide variety of special events right here in our own backyard. Outings are generally scheduled monthly. For more information, contact Curtis Rhodes at 213.355.5235.

Young Adult Ministries

Our Young Adult Ministry is an always-growing group of people in their 20s and 30s. Diverse in most every way, our young adults come from an array of faith backgrounds and for many, no spiritual background to speak of. What unites the group is a deep desire to grow in relationship — with God, with the Church and with each other. In addition to participating in church-wide events, Young Adults meet often as a particular group. For the latest in planned and impromptu happenings contact Rev. Ryan Steitz at 213.355.5232 or rsteitz@fccla.org, and/or "Like" our page on Facebook.

Book Talk

This is an open and ongoing group that generally meets once monthly. Led by our Senior Minster, Dr. R. Scott Colglazier, this group meets after church to share a light meal, as well as thoughts and ideas about that month's book selection chosen by Dr. Colglazier. Books are made available for purchase several weeks prior to this gathering and all are welcome to participate in the enlightening conversation. For more information, contact Curtis Rhodes at 213.355.5231

TOP

CAREERS

First Congregational Church of Los Angeles (FCCLA) is looking for energetic and passionate people who love to be challenged and desire the freedom to contribute to the overall success of the organization. We are a progressive, positive and open church with a strong arts and music culture. Please view our current openings for an opportunity to become part of the FCCLA team:

Website and Social Media Coordinator

First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is looking for a Website and Social Media Coordinator. We are a progressive, positive and open church with a strong arts and music culture. The Social Media Coordinator position will consist mostly of maintaining and updating social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook. First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is looking to grow its membership by connecting with potential members through social media. The Social Media Coordinator will also be responsible for assisting in designing paths of communications to help increase membership and maintain a cohesive communications strategy. We are looking for someone who can help us grow our membership.

The candidate for this job must have excellent technology skills and high attention to detail. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary, as well as a good sense of prioritization. They should be a team player, with strong interpersonal skills, energetic personality, flexibility and a positive attitude. The candidate must be proactive, resourceful, and goal/solution oriented. The position will work directly with the Director of Communications in a three-person department.

Software: Proficient with HTML, CSS/Dreamweaver and social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and E-mail functions. Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to prepare graphics for FCCLA’s website (www.fccla.org).

Qualifications: 2 years working in Communications or a related field. Experience working in marketing and with social media. Experience working with a non-profit religious organization a plus. Experience with an organization seeking to change its communications strategy also a plus.

This position is part-time and will average 20 hours per week. Salary range is $16-$18 per hour.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, professional references and salary history to hr@fccla.org.

TOP