Annual Meeting Report
by Pastor Mike Mercurio
The annual meeting of the members at First Alliance Church took place on Sunday, June 21. We started to gather at 9:00 a.m. and officially began at 9:18. As people came in, they helped themselves to a light breakfast and coffee.
Pastor Mike began by reminding everyone about the church’s mission: to help people Know God, Love Life and Serve Others. This is one way that we describe the essence of the mission which is to Make Disciples.
The call of the members is first and foremost to be committed to Jesus. Everyone who joins First Alliance has made a profession of faith in him. Our commitment is demonstrated by: Regular Church Attendance, Active Participation in Ministry and Cheerful Giving. Pastor Mike challenged families to excel in giving by following the biblical example of the tithe (10%). If they weren’t ready for that, they should at least consider matching the average gift throughout the American church by giving 3%. And if they hadn’t started to give on a regular basis, they should consider starting with a 1% gift and making it a part of their financial habits.
The structure of the church is to be pastor-guided and lay-led. The biblical example comes from God’s advice to Moses: “Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” - Exodus 18:21
We also talked about the church’s pathway steps for discipleship and membership. After a person’s first visit, they should get a note from one of the pastors. After the second visit, they should get a note from one of our Care Group leaders. What follows is a series of next steps that our new guests can explore: 1) Attending a Care Group social event, 2) Attending a quarterly discover lunch, 3) Taking the “Following Jesus Course” online, 4) Attending the Connecting Class and 5) Participating in a First Serve Opportunity. After completing these steps, they can apply for membership and meet with the elders for confirmation.
Pastor Mike then announced that starting in November, he will transition from full-time to half-time status. While a permanent retirement date is not yet decided, this gradual step is intended to be a careful and prayerful transition into the future.
Elected for the next 2-year term are:
Leadership Team
- Elder Francisco Leyva
- Elder John Towriss
- Elder Paul Schuh
- Elder Sam Kuti
- Member at Large Jeff Pankratz
- Member at Large Blaine Lawrence
Admin Team
- Treasurer Carole Towriss
- Secretary Rita Schuh
- Trustee Doug Wahler
- Member at Large Veronica Kuti
- Member at Large Yolonda Lawrence
Deacons
- Chair Paul Schuh
- Member at Large Stan Boyd
- Member at Large Bola Ige
- Member at Large Blaine Lawrence
Deaconesses
- Chair Debra Grimes
- Member at Large Evelyn Bustamante
- Member at Large Merci Watson
- Member at Large Masso Sangare
- Member at Large Glenda Brown
The proposed budget for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) is $350,000. This is the same as the current budget. 43 votes were cast and 38 voted in favor. 5 people voted for a $325,000 budget with cuts coming from the start. Either way, if the money doesn’t come in, we may have to make cuts along the way. But let us trust God to provide and let us be in prayer for our Admin Team leaders as they exercise wisdom.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45.