Leadership Team

Matt has lived in the San Diego area for more than seventeen years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2004 in Philosophy and Theology and in 2007 graduated with his Master of Arts in Religion. A former educator, he left his job at High Tech High Media Arts in 2007 in order to join the congregation at La Mesa First United Methodist Church. Co-author of “Responsible Grace in Christology? John Wesley’s Rendering of Jesus in the Epistle to the Hebrews,” Matthew continues to write, present and publish material related to the New Testament text Hebrews. Matthew has been married for nine years to his wife Christina, and has a beautiful daughter, Katherine.

Contact – 619.261.3783

How long have you lived here: Since I was 22. Visited once and then couldn’t wait to get out of LA. Where did you go to college: CSU Northridge, San Diego State Graduate year: mid 70s Degrees: Bachelor’s in Graphic Design with Distinction (brag- all A’s in my major.)

How long have you been at La Mesa First: Mid 80s

Why La Mesa: A preschool mom (Cindy Arntson) and I decided we would like a church family for our young kids. One Sunday morning she found La Mesa when she was jogging . We tried it, liked it (especially the fact everybody was welcome to have communion) and kept coming back.

How long have you been helping with the youth: Sunday school in the 90s, youth group in the 2000s.

Jobs: Owned my own business since the kids were born. Worked for over 3500 clients, some I’ve had for more than 15 years. Recently upgrading websites for Cuyamaca college, among other things.

Hobbies: Wallyball, reading. Can hanging out with church kids be considered a hobby?

Spouse and length: Barry and I found each other when I was 18- mmm, 30+ entertaining years.

Children: Carinna (in Seattle) and what’s-his-name who helps with youth group.

Favorite food: Most anything Mexican; fresh bread I make about once a week; the amazing wok dinners that Barry cooks; and my home grown blueberries.

“My name is Beau Freiling. I currently reside in Chula Vista, CA. I have lived here in San Diego for 17 years. I just recently left Southwestern College for Southern Oregon University where I will be pursuing my Bachelors degree in Marketing. My current graduate year looks to be in 2012. I have been at La Mesa First for 5 years – 3 as a youth and 2 as a volunteer and intern. I chose La Mesa First because I needed another church to call home after a few years outside of the circle. I was invited by a youth member to an event and I was hooked ever since. This led me to helping with the youth after my graduation in ’07. I work for Chick-fil-A at the Sports Arena location as well as the San Diego County Fair during the summers. I have worked at Chick-fil-A for 3 years and the fair for 4 years. I like to read, write, golf, and exercise regularly on my downtime. My favorite foods include spaghetti, ham, and steak as well as good salads.”