Holy Week Services: April 17 to April 20

We have special worship services scheduled this week as we travel through Holy Week to Easter Sunday! We hope you join our evening services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and one of our two morning services for Easter Sunday. All services will be in the sanctuary and livestreamed on our website and YouTube. We'll also have a fun Easter Egg Grab for the kids:

• Maundy Thursday: April 17, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary & Livestream
• Good Friday: April 18, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary & Livestream
• Easter Sunday: April 20, 9 AM & 11 AM, Sanctuary & Livestream
• Easter Egg Grab: April 20, 10:15 AM, Linder Hall

You can get all of the details on our website.

Easter Offering

25% will go toward pro bono legal support for refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of crime | Give Now

This year, we'll share our Easter Offering with Casa Cornelia Law Center, a local nonprofit that has been providing legal assistance to immigrants in our community since 1992 and has been essential for people working to navigate the legal system with weekly, sometimes daily, changes in policy. Let us welcome the sojourner and share new life through Christ’s resurrection!

SDSCS Event: Restoration of Southern California’s Largest Coastal Wetland

Sat. Apr. 26 | 1-3 PM | Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center in Imperial Beach | RSVP

Join us for the final event in this year's San Diego School of Christian Studies series – The Conservation, Importance, Research, and Restoration of Southern California’s Largest Coastal Wetland: The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. This nature walk includes the conservation history of the Tijuana Estuary, its important environmental functions, as well as its research and restoration. We'll be led by Interpreter Jessie Looney. Learn more and reserve your spot now!

New & Prospective Member Lunch

Sun. Apr. 27 | 12:15 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

Did you start visiting the church or become a member in 2023-2025? Then you’re invited to join us for a special lunch. Come get to know your pastors, staff, leaders, and most importantly one another. This is a wonderful opportunity to build connections and grow relationships over a shared meal and stories. We look forward to getting to know you better and sharing our church family with you. Bring your family and get ready to meet new friends! 

Spring Grief Support Group

Sun. Apr. 27 - June 1 | 12:15 - 1:15 PM | Sanctuary Meeting Room | RSVP

Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Our Grief Support Group offers a safe, understanding space to share, heal, and find hope in community. Join Rev. Brittany Hanlin, Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, and others within our community as we support one another through prayer and compassionate conversation. 

Spring Choral Concert: Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem

Sat. May 3 | 4 - 6 PM | Sanctuary & Online | Free Childcare

Join us for the last event in the 2024/25 Cultural Events Music Series, featuring a new transcription of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem! This transcription sharpens focus on the choir voices supported by pipe organ and select percussion instruments! Concert will be performed by Masterwork Chorale and First Church Chancel Choir, with Brian Woods-Lustig, conductor.

Coffee Chat With the Pastors

Sun. May 4 | 10:15-10:45 AM | Linder Patio

If you've been visiting FUMCSD and have some questions, we invite you to join the pastors for a chat over coffee on Linder Patio! This is a great opportunity to connect and learn more about the church. No registration is necessary, just meet us on the patio after service. 

Padres Faith and Family Night

Sat. May 17 | 5:40 PM | Petco Park | $49.50/ticket

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 Mariners, and then stick around for a postgame concert with Rhett Walker. Email Nick Hubsmith to purchase a ticket!

VBS is Coming & We Need Volunteers!

Register to help: Sundays, July 13 - August 3

We're going on a Road Trip, and you're invited! VBS will take place across four Sundays from 12 to 3 PM each day. We're packing it full of fun, helping our kids embark on an adventure with God. But we need your help to make it a success.

Parents: Registration is also open for kids! You can get all the details online. Share the info with your friends and be sure to register by June 30!

Reflect, Learn, Discuss

Join us each week as we uncover new understandings of scripture, theology, and life. We hope you join us!

REFLECT: Tapestry Worship Service | Sundays in Trotter Chapel | No Tapestry on April 20

Gain a fresh perspective as you question, listen, and see God through non-traditional and interactive worship.

LEARN: Perspectives Podcast | Sundays

Featuring two of our pastors talking theology, life, and faith.

DISCUSS: Convergence | Sundays at 12 PM in Trotter Chapel | No Convergence on April 20

Join our in-person or online Convergence Discussion Groups to talk about the themes from Tapestry and Perspectives. This is our reimagined Pastors Bible Study.

Become a Patreon

Join for free or upgrade to Silver / Gold

Enjoy our Perspectives Pastors Podcast? Want to discuss it with others online? Then we invite you to join us on Patreon at patreon.com/fumcsd, where you can discuss the ideas from each episode, access some additional resources, and help support our digital ministry.

When you become a free member, you’ll unlock the ability to discuss answers posed in each week’s podcast episode. There is also an option to unlock some extras by becoming a paid supporter at $5 or $10 per month.

Finding Your Stories of Faith

Free Guided Journal for Lent | Download & Share Your Story

During this year's season of Lent, we invite you to consider your story of faith, a story that you write every moment of every day. We're offering a free downloadable book of prompts for you to meditate on throughout the season to help you uncover and record your story.

We hope you join us on this journey of self-reflection and discovery and are moved to share your story with those around you. Use the hashtag #fumcsdStory when sharing with your friends on social media so others can be inspired. You can also your story with our church community through our website: fumcsd.org/book.

Prayers of the People

Pray for church family

Weds, 9:30 AM | Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Heart of Christianity

Member-led book study

Sundays, 11 AM | Zoom

Register for Zoom

Support UMC of Tanzania

Join our Global Missions Task Force in prayer and support.

During the month of April, the Global Missions Task Force is holding up our two missionaries in Tanzania, Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi and his wife, Kabaka Ndala Alphonsine, in prayer and support.

Since they were here in March of 2024, they have continued starting and growing congregations in several cities. They have built or completed three large churches using the funds we raised for them last year. Mutwale writes, "Gospel campaigns, crusades and seminars are being organized in all districts." Kabaka is training groups of women in their rights and in self-sufficiency. They are using the guest house for these trainings and many Bible studies, so people can come for a few days. They expect the guest house to bring in income now. Young people are encouraged to go to school; some of the mission funds help them with tuition. Five Tanzanians have been sent to the Africa University in Zimbabwe to study theology; they need funds for computers and transportation. The preschool for orphans still does not have a minibus to bring the children to school.

Please lift Mutwale and Kabaka in your prayers. Consider contributing to the Tanzania Mission fund; donations can be made online or by check. Have questions? Look for members of the Global Missions Task Force in the coffee hour during April!

Samaritan Store

Thank for your continued donations!

Thanks to your continued generosity, we welcomed 67 guests in January and February of this year, distributing 62 bags of food, 30 sleeping bags, more than 50 hygiene kits, and more than 300 pairs of men's socks! The food bags that we give our neighbors include 9-11 non-perishable food items, such as fruit cups, soup, peanut butter, pudding, cereal, and tuna fish. It all depends on what donations we have received.

Donations can be brought to the church office on Sundays and during the week. If you are donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops for easy opening.

Cal-Pac Fire Relief

Join us in prayer and relief efforts

We continue to pray for the congregations and communities recently impacted by fire. Cal-Pac is sharing updates and ways to support those in LA. You can find the most recent details online at: www.calpacumc.org/lafires2025/

Help at Cherokee Point Community Events

Find events and register to help online.

Cherokee Point is looking for community volunteers to help at fun events throughout the year. Sign up to help at one or many – it's a fun way to connect with families in the community!

Get Your Free Name Tag

Sunday | 9-10 AM | Linder Lounge

Our church members would love to get to know you – so they're offering free name tags to help with the process! Look for a table inside Linder Lounge (near the donuts) on Sundays after service. You'll find free name tags and volunteers who can help add your name. Questions? Contact Mike Sisson.

Get to know your church neighbors!

North Park / South Park / University Heights / Normal Heights / Kensington

Wed. Apr. 23 | 12 PM | Sardina's Italian Restaurant and Bar 1129 Morena Blvd, San Diego CA 92110 | RSVP Richard or Laurie Willis

North County Neighborhood Group

Sat. April 26 | 12 PM | Filippi's Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92131 | RSVP Carol Blessing | New folks are always welcome! Please bring cash for lunch payment.

Hillcrest / Mission Hills Neighborhood Group

Sat. April 26 | 11 AM | Jo's Diner 807 West Washington St, San Diego CA 92103 (corner of W. Washington and Falcon) | RSVP Nick Hubsmith

Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch

Sun. Apr. 27 | 12:30 PM | If you're a younger adult (20's to 40's) and want to connect, join us every 4th Sunday! We meet at different local eateries – email Jason Tucker for more details.

Senior Fellowship Group

Fridays | 12 - 3:30 PM | Linder Lounge

Potluck lunch followed by games! You may bring a food contribution serving 6. No RSVPs needed. No charge. Questions, call Ginger: 858-302-9592 (no texts).

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel | No Tapestry this Sunday

We have two traditional worship services scheduled for Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday). We hope you join us on Sunday, April 27 as we start our new Tapestry series!

Let’s gather together to check out the resources of hope at our disposal and create a safe space with others to rest in that hope.

Children and Youth Ministries Sunday Schedule

PRE-K, INFANTS, AND TODDLERS | Sundays 8:40 AM - 12 PM

This program offers a loving and nurturing environment in the Multipurpose Room located in the Children's Growing Center.

Sunday School: K-5

Please sign your kids in in the Lower Sanctuary before the start of service.

We start in the Sanctuary for 9 AM Traditional Worship and then leave as a group immediately following A Time With Children. Parents pick up kids from The Cove immediately following service. No Sunday School on the 1st Sunday of the month – kids are encouraged to worship with their family and participate in Communion.

Middle School and High School students are invited to sit together in the Sanctuary every Sunday to worship as a group!

MUSIC PROGRAMS | SUNDAYS | REGISTER

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

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

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

Contact Dana Zimbric for more info.

Now Enrolling Infants Through Pre-Kindergarten

CGC has openings! Call 619-295-1915 or visit fumcsd.org/cgc

Our school is accepting new students ages 0 - 5! Please share with your friends, family, and neighbors who have kids. Details about the school are available online at fumcsd.org/cgc or you can call 619-295-1915 to speak with the school staff and learn more.

ACOLYTES | Grades 4-12

Sign up to assist in Sanctuary worship service! Contact Demmie Divine.

Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services, and funerals.

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.

Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep & Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. of the month: Apr. 17 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 2

Learn more about the Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry or request a quilt for another person. To sponsor a prayer quilt for someone in need of prayer, be sure to ask for their agreement to be a recipient. 

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group

3rd Thursday of the month: Apr. 17 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Free | RSVP

Providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. If you're a caregiver, we offer you a place to feel heard, connected and empowered with those who understand this unique struggle.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Giving: How to Give

1. Deposit your gift in the offering plate during worship.
2. Give online using your credit/debit card or ACH transfer from your checking account. Gifts can be one time or automatically recurring each week or month.
3. TEXT to Give. Just text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256 and see how easy it can be!
4. Mail your check directly to the church via US postal service: First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92108.

Contact Jason Tucker with your questions about giving and tithing to First Church.

Weekly Attendance

4/6/25, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 285

4/6/25, livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 248

Avg. watch-time: 28:02

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3,363

To subscribe, log in to your Gmail account, go to First Church YouTube channel, click the subscribe button. You can choose to be notified when we livestream.

Hosting an event? We have space available!

Contact David Patterson for details, including exclusive pricing.

Hi folks! I’m David Patterson, the Events Coordinator here at First Church. Throughout the year, we host an amazing variety of events—concerts, art shows, book presentations, and more!

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.

Let’s make your next event unforgettable! Send me an email at dpatterson@fumcsd.org, and we’ll start planning together. I can’t wait to help you create something special!