eNEWS - April 6, 2026

2025/26 CEC Music Series: SDSU Electroacoustic Music

Sat. Apr. 11 | 4 PM | Sanctuary & Livestream

Enjoy an afternoon of electroacoustic music with San Diego State University's Chamber Choir under the direction of Arian Khaefi. The advanced ensemble will perform Mason Bate's Mass Transmission for choir, organ, and electronics in addition to other celebrated choral works.

Coffee & Clergy

Sun. Apr. 12 | 10:15-10:45 AM | Linder Patio

New to First Church? Join our pastors on the patio for a chat over coffee. No registration necessary, just meet us after service!

CGC’s Spring Sing Auction: “Giddy Up with CGC”

Sat. Apr. 18 | 3 PM | Linder Hall | $10 entrance fee

Come support the families of our Children's Growing Center! The kids will have a musical presentation and there will be a silent auction.

Exploring Our Caring Ministries

Sun. Apr. 19 |10 AM | Linder Lounge

Join us between worship services to learn about the ways the church can care for you, and ways you can be involved! Rev. Brittany and Sheilah Cameron LMFT will share about Caring Hearts, Stephen Ministry, New Life Counseling Center, Alzheimer's Support, Prayer Team, and Prayers & Squares.

United Women in Faith Spring Fiesta

Sun. Apr. 26 | 12 PM | Linder Hall | Tickets Online or In Person 3/29, 4/12, 4/19

Join us for una tarde divertida (a fun afternoon) with a Mexican food buffet, live performance by Ballet Folklorico San Diego Dance Company, opportunity drawings, and a silent auction! Proceeds support local, national, and global programs for women, children, and youth. Tickets are for sale on Realm and the patio between worship services.

Padres Faith and Family Night

Sat. May 2 | 5:40 PM | Petco Park | $51/ticket | Purchase from Nick Hubsmith

We have a block of seats for this year's Faith and Family Night with the Padres. Have fun with your church family, watch the Padres take on the White Sox, and then stick around for a postgame concert by Vertical Worship.

The Landscape of The White Church & The American Nation:

A Conversation in Many Parts

Potluck & Panel Presentation | Sun. May 17 | 12 PM | Linder Hall | Learn More

Uncomfortable with the idea of politics in the church? The reality is, they’re already intertwined—and they always have been.


Join us for a series of learning opportunities exploring how Christianity and American exceptionalism have shaped a distinct White Christian expression that continues to influence spiritual life, civic engagement, and definitions of community across the United States. We start with a potluck lunch and panel presentation on Sun. May 17.


Then, beginning Sunday, May 31, 10:30-11:30 AM, Dr. Karl Martin, Ph.D. will lead several in-person classes for deeper exploration. An additional series of recorded conversations with Dr. Karl and Revs. Trudy, Hannah, and Brittany will also be available for independent study and conversations within your own small groups. Watch for more information!

Holy Week & Easter: Thank You Volunteers & Staff!

Thank you to all who helped make this past week so special. If you missed one of the services, you can access them on our YouTube channel.

Easter Offering

A tithe will be shared with The Human Rights Campaign | Give Now

This year, we'll share our Easter Offering with The Human Rights Campaign, an organization that has worked tirelessly for over 40 years to achieve LGBTQ+ equality. Join us in helping make life a little easier for those who have been sidelined to the margins, fighting for true liberation for all—much like Jesus did during his life.

Welcome Guillermo Zepeda and Garrett Doss-Ganucheau

Meet our newest staff members!

We're thrilled for our new Administrative Coordinator Guillermo Zepeda and Director of Stewardship and Development Garrett Doss-Ganucheau to join our staff.

Guillermo joins us from Skyline IT Services where he externally supported the church for years. He's excited to be at the church throughout the week, providing hospitality, project management, and administrative support to help strengthen our ministries and growing congregation.

Garrett joins First Church from Axos Bank, where he served as AVP, Business Development Officer. He is excited to help cultivate an expanding culture of stewardship that supports the mission and ministry of First Church. 

Transcription Service Update

New provider with extra features! Save this link: fumcsd.org/transcript

We have updated our live transcript service for our Sanctuary worship. Just like our previous service, you can access it on your internet-enabled device when worship is live. QR codes are available in the sanctuary or you can access it at https://www.fumcsd.org/transcript. Need help? Meghan Claussen is at the back of the Sanctuary at the beginning of worship and is happy to help.

GROW

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss the themes of Perspectives and Tapestry

Sun, 12 PM | Trotter Chapel

Join Us

Patreon for FUMCSD

Online discussion & content

Available 24/7 on Patreon Website & App

Connect With Others

Prayers of the People

Pray for church family

Weds, 9:30 AM | Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Page Turners

Member-led book study

Sun, 10:30 AM | Lower Sanctuary Library

Register

Heart of Christianity

Member-led book study

Sun, 11 AM | Zoom

Register


SERVE

Ralph Rewards: Support Showers of Blessings Ministry

Link your Ralph Rewards Card to First United Methodist Church of San Diego

Link your Ralphs Rewards Card to First United Church of San Diego to help support our Showers of Blessings Mission to help fund feeding the homeless at St Paul’s Episcopal Church on the second Saturday of each month! Here's how:

  1. Sign In/Create Account: Sign in to your digital account or create one at Ralphs.com
  2. Go to Community Contributions: Select "Community Contributions" in your account profile.
  3. Search for the Church: In Find an Organization, search for First United Methodist Church of SD.
  4. EnrollSelect the organization and click "Enroll". 

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. Apr. 11, 7:30-9:30 AM | St. Paul’s Cathedral Courtyard, 2728 Sixth Avenue | Learn More

Help your neighbors! Prepare a dish, help serve, or drop off donations. Contact Katherine Stone for details and to sign up.

Pink Gala: Support Racial Justice Grantee Stepping Stone

Fri. Apr. 17 | 5:30-9 PM | Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | Purchase Tickets

We've been invited to participate in the upcoming Pink Gala, supporing Stepping Stone as they celebrate their 50th year. They've generously offered a discount code for $100 off tickets. Use code FUMCSD during checkout to receive the discount. The evening includes Chad Michaels as Cher, cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live auction, and celebration of community.

CONNECT

Meet Your Church Neighbors


Water’s Edge: Sat. Apr. 11 | 10 AM |Daybreak Island Grill 2296 Bacon Street, San Diego | RSVP Tom Trujillo


Serra Mesa / Mission Valley: Wed. Apr. 15 | 5:30 PM | Tio Leo's 5302 Napa Street, San Diego | RSVP to Bill or Barbara Horton


Hillcrest / Mission Hills: Sat. Apr. 25 | 11:30 AM | Ortega's Mexican Bistro 141 University Avenue, San Diego | RSVP Marilyn Wegner


Men's Coffee Group: Fridays (except 1st Friday) | 8-9 AM | Lower Sanctuary Meeting Room (Library) & Zoom | Bring your coffee, breakfast, and friendship! Contact Bruce Johnson or Nick Hubsmith for more information.


Senior Fellowship Group: Fridays | 12-2:30 PM | Linder Lounge | Potluck lunch followed by games. Questions? Contact Julie Baldwin at 619-449-4634. 

Page Turners Study: "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction"

Sundays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Lower Sanctuary Meeting Room | RSVP

Page Turners is starting its next book study, discussing "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" by Eugene Peterson, a study of the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134). Questions? Contact Karl Martin.

Wholehearted Faith

Young Adult Book Study

Wed. Apr. 8 | 7:30 PM | Zoom | RSVP Online

Join us as we explore the book: Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans with Jeff Chu. We welcome newcomers at anytime! In March, we'll discuss chapters 13 & 14.

Parents Forum

2nd Sun. Apr. 12, 10:10 - 10:30 AM | Linder Patio

Gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

FUMCSD United Women in Faith

All women are invited to join our UWF chapter! Get details and circle meeting schedule on our webpage. Mark your calendars for these events:


Spring Fiesta: Sun. Apr. 26 at 12 PM in Linder Hall | Purchase Tickets Online or In Person 3/29, 4/12, 4/19


Unit Meeting: Sat. May 9 at 12 PM in The Cove | We'll share a potluck meal and hear from Freedom Macis, Manager of Cal-Pac UMC Camp Cedar Glen


Annual Rummage Sale: Fri. Aug. 14 & Sat. Aug. 15 in Linder Hall | Volunteer for our rummage sale committee! Contact Nyla Marson to help.

Get Your Free Name Tag

Email Mike Sisson | Easy-to-wear name tag for Sunday Services to help meet others!

SUNDAY WORSHIP

We offer two styles of worship – attend one or both!

Infant-Pre-K childcare is available during both services.

Traditional Worship

Sundays at 9 AM in our Sanctuary & Livestreamed via YouTube and Website Learn More

Apr. 12 Service Scripture, Sermon & Preacher:

Luke 24:13-32

Message by Lead Pastor Trudy D. Robinson

The Grace of the Passion:

We Don't Have to Pretend We're OK

Want to revisit a sermon? See our online Sermon Archive

Tapestry Contemplative Service

Sundays at 11 AM in Trotter Chapel

Learn More

We meditate on the same scripture as the 9 AM service but instead of a sermon, we consider themes through contemplative questions and conversation based on scripture, art, and other inspiration.

Donate Altar Flowers

Recognize significant events in your family’s life! Bouquets are $65 each.

Contact the Church Office for available dates  

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children and Youth Sunday Schedule (April 12 - May 10)


Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K | Sundays, 8:40 AM – 12 PM | CGC Multipurpose Room

A loving and nurturing environment for your youngest family members. Free of charge and located just across the Plaza from the Sanctuary.

Kinder-5th Grade | Sundays, 9:15-10 AM | Start in Sanctuary & End in The Cove

Kids leave with Sunday School teachers immediately after "A Time With Children" and head over to The Cove (located in the UM Building). Parents pick up kids from The Cove Middle School Room immediately following service.

Music (K-12th) | Sundays, 10-11:45 AM | Register | Questions? Contact Dana Zimbric

Free kids and teens music program!

Primary Choir (Grades K-5): 10-10:45 AM, Middle School Room (The Cove)

Secondary Voices (Grades 5/6-12): 10-10:45 AM, Children's Choir Room (Lower Sanctuary)

Youth Chimes (Grades 5-12): 11-11:45 AM, Children's Choir Room (Lower Sanctuary)

Grades 4-12: Serve As an Acolyte

Sign up to assist in our Traditional Worship! Contact the Church Office.

Children’s Growing Center Has Openings!

Weekday programing for infants through Pre-K | Learn More

Our school is accepting students ages 0-5. Details are available at fumcsd.org/cgc or call 619-295-1915 to speak with school staff.

CARE & PRAYER

In Our Prayers: Check our website for updates on deaths, memorial services, and funerals.

Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep and Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. | Apr. 16 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Linder 2 | RSVP

Help assemble prayer quilts. Learn more about our ministry and request a quilt for another person: visit us online

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

3rd Thurs. | Apr. 16 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

If you’re a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, you’re invited to join us to connect with others who understand this unique struggle.

Would you like someone to talk to?

Our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. You'll meet privately—by phone, video chat, or in person—for care and support. Contact Rev. Brittany for more information.

CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES

Charge Conference & Church Council Meeting

Sat. Apr. 25 | 8:30 AM | Linder 2 & Zoom

Join us to address California-Pacific Conference's process of exploring affordable housing. We'll also use the time to address ongoing church business. The meeting is open to all! If you're not a member of Church Council and would like to participate, please email Church office to receive agenda and Zoom link.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM


Memorial Garden Hours
Monday - Friday - 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday - 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8 AM - 4 PM

Easy Giving

Contact church office with your questions about giving and tithing to First Church.

Cash/Check: During worship or mail check to church office

Give Online: One time or recurring

TEXT to Give: Text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256

Worship Attendance:

Sunday, 3/29/26

In-person (9 & 11 AM) attendees: 373

Livestream (9 AM) viewers: 290

Livestream avg. watch-time: 26:02

YouTube Subscribers: 3,964

Room Request & Communications Request Forms

FUMCSD groups: Here's how to reserve a room or publicize your next event.

Provide the full details through the web forms listed below. You'll receive confirmation from our facilities and communications team. Please submit the form as early as you can. We are an active church and might not be able to accomodate your request if it's placed too close to the event. Rooms need to be confirmed before we can publicize!

David Patterson

Hosting an event? We have space available!

Contact David Patterson for details, including exclusive pricing.

As a First Church member, you can get exclusive deals on these wonderful spaces for your upcoming events. Whether it's a high school or family reunion, birthday celebration, or wedding anniversary, we’ve got the perfect space to bring your ideas to life.

fumcsd.org

619-297-4366


2111 Camino del Rio South,

San Diego, CA 92108

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