Jessie Rayos

First Methodist Carlsbad

Director of Discipleship and Outreach

At First Methodist Carlsbad, I’ve been able to add to several life-giving ministries that were already in place and have had the opportunity to pioneer a few new ones as well. One of those existing ministries is Mission Carlsbad, a long-standing local initiative that I’m honored to serve through as a board member and staff liaison. Another need I noticed early on was the lack of a space for young adults and young families in our church. So I gathered some folks in that age group and asked them to help me dream. That’s how The Gathering was born. We share a meal, we talk about real-life things like marriage, leadership, and finding fulfillment beyond the surface. We walk alongside each other in this stage of life. My motivation to serve this community comes from growing up here. I remember what it was like to be a young Latino kid in Carlsbad, facing economic hardship. I was one of the kids who relied on free lunches. I remember how much it meant when athletes or leaders came to our school to encourage us and speak hope into our lives. It made a difference. It made me feel seen. That’s part of why I keep showing up.