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Laura  Schwarcz

Laura Schwarcz

Director, Children's and Family Ministriesoffice: 619-297-4366 x140

Laura is from Mission Viejo, and was raised in the United Methodist Church from the time she was three years old. As she served as an acolyte, a member of the kids choir, and eventually as a Sunday School teacher, she knew that God was calling her to teach. She obtained her B.A. degree and a Multiple Subject Teacher’s Credential with plans to be an primary grade school teacher.

At this point the direction of God’s call became even clearer: she was called to use her gifts for teaching as a Director of Children’s Ministries at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Mission Viejo.

In 2009, Laura embarked on a journey toward full-time children's ministry. To do so, she enrolled part-time at Fuller Theological Seminary while working part-time at Shepherd of the Hills UMC. Having completed her Master's of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2013, she started looking for a full-time position. She was hired at First Church in January of 2014, and moved with her family to San Diego.

In addition to teaching, and a love for Jesus Christ, her gifts include visionary leadership, recruiting and training volunteers for children’s ministry. Laura and her husband Mike also have a young daughter who attends the Children's Growing Center during the week at church.