Advent is upon us and we have a full line up of activities, events, and worship to prepare your heart and help you celebrate the special season. Get the details and dates online.

Last Week to Donate! Holiday Toy Drive for LGBTQ+ Families

Collecting new, unwrapped toys to create a "toy pantry" for families.

We’re partnering with a group of local therapists who are hosting a Holiday Toy Drive for LGBTQ+ families—bringing joy directly to children and parents in our community. You can provide support by spreading the word to families who might benefit and by donating toys. Toys can be donated at the church office or at Diversionary Theatre (4545 Park Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92116). 

Christmas Poinsettias Donation

Donate online or in church office by Dec. 17

Honor a loved one while also helping to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas! Donation is $20/plant. Please submit your order by December 17.

Share Your Favorite Christmas Songs, Carols & Hymns

Email them to Rev. Trudy to help us prepare for Advent & Christmas!

During Advent, we'll be looking at some of the biblical canticles reflecting on God’s promises. We’re calling the series “Lesser-Known Songs of Christmas.” But we won’t forgo the tried-and-true favorites! Rev. Trudy invites you to email her your favorite songs, carols or hymns. If they are lesser-known, include as much information (or a YouTube link) to help her out!

Advent Choral Concert: World Premiere Performance of New Piece!

Sat. Dec. 13 | 4 PM | Sanctuary & Online | Free Childcare | Learn More

Free concert sung by FUMCSD Masterwork Chorale and Chancel Choir. Enjoy the world premiere performance of modern composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s San Diego Service Magnificat, as well as her piece A Season to Sing, which offers a choral re-imagining of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Our choirs will also sing Bach’s classic piece Wachet ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers wake) and other seasonal favorites.

Blue Christmas Contemplative Service

Sun. Dec. 21 | 2 - 3 PM | Trotter Chapel | RSVP

Join Rev. Brittany and Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, for a contemplative service that recognizes the significance of the holiday season while also honoring the grief we hold for those we have lost. We welcome you to bring a framed picture of your loved one to display on our altar during the service. 

UMC Constitutional Amendments Fully Ratified

Thank you, FUMCSD delegates, for representing our church!

The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church have announced the approval of all four consititutional amendments from the 2020/24 General Conference! We invite you to join us in celebrating this historic vote and thanking the delegates who represented our church at the 2025 Cal-Pac Annual Conference. Get the full details and read what some of our delegates had to say in our newly published web article.

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss themes of Perspectives & 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

Giving Tuesday: Support Dream School of the Arts!

Help DSOA reach their $20,000 goal | Donate Online

Miss Giving Tuesday? There's still time to help Dream School reach its goal. They're asking for community support to help their 4th and 5th grade Dreamers. Donations are tax deductible and go directly to the Dream School.

Angel Tree: Sponsor Christmas Gifts

$30 delivers gifts to a child whose parent is in prison | Donate

First Church is continues to support the Prison Fellowship and the Angel Tree Christmas program. By participating in Angel Tree, you help children receive a special present from parents who are incarcerated.

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. Dec. 13, 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.

Help Dream School Secure Grant Funding: Grant Writing Advisor

Dream School of the Arts is in need of someone with grant writing experience to serve as an advisor for the Board of Directors. If this is you, please reach out to khundley@dsoasd.org or revtrudy@fumcsd.org. Thank you!

Samaritan Store Donations

Help Restock Our Pantry | Bring Donations to Church Office

Food that's needed: Spaghetti O's, Chef Boyardee, tuna (can or packets), pudding cups, fruit cups, granola bars. If donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops. We're also seeking cold-weather supplies: blankets, tents, sleeping bags, men's socks, men's underwear (M, L, XL).

Interactive Wisdom

First episode now available on YouTube & Website

Miss the Interactive Wisdom Kickoff party? The group's first podcast episode is now available online for on-demand viewing!

Wisdom Book Study: The Seven Stone Path

Mon. Dec. 8 | 6 PM | Zoom | Register

Join Barb Eveland and others for a monthly conversation exploring wisdom traditions from around the world, guided by Peter Bolland's book, “The Seven Stone Path, An Everyday Journey to Wisdom.” Questions? Email Barb Eveland.

Parents Forum

2nd Sun. Dec. 14, 10:10 - 10:30 AM | The Cove (UMC Building)

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

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

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

Want to revisit a sermon? See our online Sermon Archive. 

Donate Altar Flowers

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

Contact the Church Office for available dates  

Kinder-12th Grade | Sundays, 9:15-10 AM | Start in Sanctuary & End in The Cove

Christmas pageant rehearsal! Kids and teens leave immediately after "A Time With Children" to work with Ms. Dana and Ms. Jill to prepare for our annual pageant. Everyone is invited to join us – even if they won't be at the Dec. 24 service, there will be plenty to do! 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.

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

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

3rd Thurs. | Dec. 18 | 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.

December Church Council Meeting

Sat. Dec. 13 | 8:30 AM | Linder 2 & Zoom | Agenda & Link: Email Meghan

This meeting is open to all and is a great opportunity to hear reports from committees and pastors, as well as updates on initiatives. If you aren't on Church Council, email Meghan Claussen for agenda and link to meeting.

Stewardship Campaign: Our Money Story

Read Our Money Story | Pledge at church or submit pledge online. 

Update as of Sun. Dec. 7: 218 pledges totaling $759,247 (an average of $3482) – over 75% to our goal of $1,000,000 pledged! We are grateful for all the pledges we’ve received. We are hoping for 250 households to pledge their financial support to our ministries together next year.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

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.