'Tis the Season: Be on the Lookout For Email Scams

We've received reports of emails from First Church pastors asking for gift card donations and/or assistance. In these emails, the sender asks the recipient to purchase gift cards or respond quickly becaue they need assistance. This is a scam!

Here are some pointers to help you catch suspicious requests:

·   Check the email address before responding; our pastors all use email addresses that end with "fumcsd.org".

·   We won't ask you to only respond by email.

·   We won't ask for gift card numbers and/or security codes by email.

·   Donation requests typically happen in service and through official emails (like this eNews!).

If you ever receive a suspicious email from the Church (or someone associated with the Church), please report it to communications@fumcsd.org.

The Federal Trade Commission has some excellent online articles about these and other types of trending scams. Be sure to check the FTC website regularly for updates.

Gospel Musical by Langston Hughes: Guest Appearance by Rev. Brittany!

Fri. Dec. 13 | 7:30 PM | Buy Tickets

Join Common Ground Theatre for the annual holiday musical production of "Black Nativity" at the Educational Cultural Complex at 4343 Ocean View Blvd. San Diego 92113. This vibrant retelling of the Nativity story features scripture, poetry, dance, and song from an African-American perspective. Artistic Director Yolanda Marie Franklin showcases some of San Diego’s finest talent. Enjoy choreography from local dance groups and music directed by veterans Steve Gooden and Camelia “Toot” Bell. 

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The December 13 production features our very own Rev. Brittany J. Hanlin as special guest preacher. Don’t miss Rev. Brittany and this all-new, uplifting rendition of Hughes’ classic gospel play! ​Tickets are available online. 

This Saturday: Advent Choral Concert

Sat. Dec. 14 | 4 - 6 PM | Sanctuary & Online | Free Childcare | Learn More

The next event in the Cultural Events Music Series is coming up on December 14. Come enjoy a collection of Christmas carol favorites performed by our Chancel Choir and the Masterwork Chorale! Featured pieces include Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies, Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and a medley of songs by Mack Wilberg.

Christmas Poinsettias Donation

Donate online or in church office by Dec. 18

Honor a loved one while also helping to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas! Donation is $15/plant. Please submit your order by December 18. Printed donation forms are available at church for those who prefer paying with a check or cash.

Blue Christmas Contemplative Service

Sun. Dec. 22 | 2 - 3 PM | Trotter Chapel | RSVP

Christmas is a sacred time filled with joy and love. But for those experiencing grief, the holiday season can be lonely and filled with deep sadness. 

Please join Rev. Brittany and Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, for a contemplative Blue Christmas 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. 

Christmas Eve Candle Light Worship

Tue. Dec. 24 | 5 / 7 / 9 PM | Sanctuary & Online

Join us at one of our candle light worship services this Christmas Eve! Each service ends with candlelit singing of Silent Night, a memorable experience for all ages. And they will all be livestreamed on YouTube if you are unable to join us in person.

Children's Christmas Pageant at 5 PM: Join the children and youth-led worship where you can experience the Christmas story through music, readings, and the nativity scene.

Carols, Lessons & Candle Lighting at 7 & 9 PM: Experience the Christmas story through choral music by the Chancel Choir (7 PM) and Chamber Choir (9 PM), congregational singing, and inspiring message. 

Cal-Pac Winter Family Camp

Jan. 18-20 | Camp Cedar Glen, Julian | Register

Grab the whole family and join others from our UMC Cal-Pac Conference for a fun-filled weekend! Bond with your family in God’s beautiful creation. All ages welcome. Activities include games, crafts, climbing tower, archery, sling shots, worship, singing, campfires, service projects, hiking, and much more. 

Price: 3 and under - Free | 4-12 years old - $80 | 13 and up - $160 | $500 cap on total payment per household! Price includes 6 meals, boarding and all activity supplies (guests need to bring their own bedding and personal items). Camperships available.  

Questions? Please contact Alisa Wentzel, Program Manager. Register online.

Now Enrolling Infants Through Kindergarten

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

Our school is accepting new students ages 0 - 6! 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.

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

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

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.

Prayers of the People

Pray for one another and prayer requests

Wednesdays, 9:30 AM

Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Heart of Christianity

Sundays

11 AM | Zoom

Book Study

Register for Zoom

Movie Reviews: Conclave & Bonhoeffer

Considering these movies as part of your spiritual growth? Read this review from Rev. Trudy!

For Thanksgiving, I was eager to go to the movies and watch: Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. The "historical drama, thriller film" about the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  

I had just seen the movie Conclave and loved the way it offered a serious portrayal of faith in all its nasty politics and honest faith. I was pleased that the "good guy" through faithfulness and integrity (there was nothing shallow in his faith and yet he wasn't blind to the politics of it), enabled the institution to do the right thing.  

So I was ready to watch the movie Bonhoeffer because I knew he was a complex and brilliant man of faith. I was disappointed. The movie was thoroughly simplistic and lacked any complexity. I encourage you to read a couple of reviews before you spend the money or take the time to see it. Here is one review that I recommend. I also encourage, if you have already seen it, to realize it is not a helpful or accurate portrayal.

In fact, I would encourage you to see Conclave instead! You'll come away with a much deeper depiction of faith. ~ Rev. Trudy

Extra Volunteers Needed During the Holidays

Angels, bulletin stuffers, decorators, labelers, and more!

With the holidays upon us, we're in need of volunteers to help prepare for Christmas Eve. Opportunities include: Bulletin stuffers, candlelight prep helpers, and poinsettia display decorators.



Angels Wanted for Christmas Eve Services

Sixth-graders through college age (and beyond!) are needed for all Christmas Eve services. Experienced angels welcomed for Lessons and Carols at 7 and 9 PM.

If you would like to help with in any of these areas, please call 619-297-4366 x138 or email Demmie in the church office. Thank you!

Today: Caring Hearts Christmas Bags

Collecting Candy Donations & Seeking Volunteers

Help prepare Christmas bags to be delivered to our homebound congregation members or donate individually wrapped large candy canes and/or Christmas candies for us to include in the bags. We'll be assembling bags Mon. Dec. 9 from 12 - 2 PM in Linder Lounge. Please bring an appetizer to share. No RSVP is required. We're also seeking volunteers to deliver the bags. If you would like to volunteer to deliver a few bags, please contact B Mayner in the front office or Demmie Divine at 619-297-4366. 

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 remind these children they are loved and not forgotten by their parents in prison with this gift from them. Our goal is to sponsor 50 children. Let's put a smile on every child's face! Donate online.

"Airport Group" Sack Lunches for Migrants

Help make lunches each Sunday from 10-11 AM

We're excited to announce "We're All We Got San Diego" has donated funds for supplies for our weekly migrant sack lunches! They said FUMCSD makes such a valuable contribution to the migrants waiting (often overnight) at the airport for their flights. Thanks to the church and its community, we make 100 sack lunches each Sunday morning from 10-11 a.m. We are grateful to you all!

We've found fellowship in our weekly work, with conversation centered around church and family as we make sandwiches and add fruit and granola bars to the lunch bags. And we invite you to join us! 

Beryl Flom and Wendy Young

Co-Chairs

Showers of Blessings

2nd Saturday: Dec. 14 | St. Paul's Cathedral Courtyard | 2728 Sixth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 

You're invited to prepare a dish and serve OR drop off donations for brown bag lunch pack. Sign up as a group to take a month! For more information, contact Katherine Stone.

Donations can be dropped off at coffee bar on Sundays or during regular office hours (9 AM - 4 PM): Oatmeal, pancake syrup, brown sugar, raisins, protein bars, juice (apple, grape, cranberry), hot sauce, brown lunch sacks, individual apple sauce. 

Become a Stephen Minister Care Giver

New classes begin in January! Submit Application

Look for the Stephen Minister information table on Sundays to find how to become a Stephen Minister care giver!

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 to know your church neighbors!

Mission Valley / Serra Mesa

Wed. Dec. 11 | 5:30 PM | Elijah's 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite 213, San Diego CA 92111 | RSVP Bill Horton

Water's Edge

Sat. Dec. 14 | 10 AM | Raglan Public House 1851 Bacon Street, San Diego CA 92107 | RSVP Tom Trujillo

Hillcrest / Mission Hills

Mon. Dec. 16 | 11:30 AM | Ortega's Mexican Bistro 141 University Avenue #4, San Diego CA 92103 | RSVP Nick Hubsmith

Senior Singles 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 Karen, 619-263-3743 (no texts).

A Walk Through the Park: Balboa Park

Thurs. Dec. 12 | 10 AM | Meet at fountain at Natural History Bldg.

RSVP to Janice Roudebush and look for Rev. Hannah

Join us for fellowship, exercise, flowers, and Christmas decorations! Our walk will take us over the bridge to the Inez Grant Parker rose garden, the Spanish Village, back to the Prado, and into the newly reopened, refurbished Balboa Botanical Garden building. We'll then travel past the flying Santa and reindeer to the Christmas display that is set up near the organ pavilion. If time allows, we'll visit the cactus garden dedicated to Kate Sessions, located behind the Balboa Park Club.

After such a walk we will all be hungry and ready to have a seat at the Panama66 located in the sculpture garden of the Museum of Art . The restaurant serves sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as other choices. Each person can place and pay for their own order as we enter the restaurant. Seating is outside.

If you have any questions, contact Janice.

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel

How to Share the Good News: With The Distracted

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

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.

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

No quilt prep in December. We'll resume 1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. in January!

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: Dec. 19 | 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

Church office will be closed Wed. Dec. 25 for Christmas

Church Council Meeting

Sat. Dec. 14 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM | Linder 2 & Zoom

The meeting is open to all and a great opportunity to hear reports from our committee chairs and pastors along with updates on initiatives happening at First Church. If you are not a member of Church Council and would like to participate, please email Demmie Divine to receive the agenda and link to the meeting.  

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.

Share Your Holiday Blessings

This year, we're combining our Christmas and Thanksgiving Offerings into one big special offering throughout the end of the year. Your special gifts will not only bless our church ministries, but will also help to clothe those in need this winter.

25% of our Thanksgiving and Christmas Offering will be shared with Sharia’s Closet, a local nonprofit that provides emergency clothing and hygiene kits to people in need throughout the county. As we give thanks for God’s abundance in our lives, let us give generously to share those blessings with our neighbors. Your offering can be made online or at church.

Weekly Attendance

12/1/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 276

12/1/24, livestreamed services

Unique viewers: 273

Avg. watch-time: 23:08

First Church YouTube subscribers: 2,918

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.