The Unexpected Divine: Two-Part Interfaith Lunch & Learn Series

Weds. Feb. 4 | 12-1:30 PM | Congregation Beth Israel & Zoom | RSVP

Join Rev. Trudy and Rabbi Jason for a lunch-and-learn session exploring mystery, Sabbath, and sacred time through Jewish and Christian texts. Both sessions are in person at Congregation Beth Israel (9001 Towne Centre Dr., San Diego) and on Zoom. In-person is $10; online is free. Register online.

Become a Member of FUMCSD

In Person: Sun. Feb. 8, 12:15 PM RSVP | Online: Mon. May 4, 5 PM RSVP

Join our New Beginnings Membership Class to learn more about First Church and Methodism. Meet other incoming members, the pastors, staff and leaders.

Interest Meeting: Sankofa Pilgrimage 2027 Journey to Ghana

Mon. Feb. 9 | 5:30 PM | Zoom | Register to receive meeting link

We're thrilled to travel to West Africa for an in-depth learning on the last effects of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. If you'd like more information before registering, we encourage you to join our interest meeting on Monday, February 9 via Zoom.

Ash Wednesday Service

Wed. Feb. 18| Service 12:15 PM Sanctuary & Online

Prepare your hearts and minds for Lent with the imposition of ashes. If you are unable to join us in person, you're welcome to pick up a packet of ashes from the church office and follow along online. Visit our website for more details.

Mark Your Calendar: Gospel Choir Concert & Art Show

MLK Jr. Community Choir & Dream School | Sat. Feb. 21 | 4 PM | Learn More

The Cultural Events Committee is excited to welcome this celebrated multicultural choir that blends traditional and contemporary gospel with spirituals, anthems, and oratorios in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Reception and Dream School of the Arts art show to follow!

Congratulations, 2025/26 Racial Justice Grantees!

Meet the Grantees: Sun. Feb. 22 | 10 AM | Linder Lounge

Join us for a special "Racial Justice Sunday" celebration to hear from each of this year's Racial Justice Grantees. They'll share about the work they do and how you can get involved. Learn more about each organization and the Racial Justice Grant program on our website.

Spring Grief Support Group

Sundays in March | 12:15 - 1:15 PM | New Life Counseling Center | RSVP

Grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. Our Grief Support Group offers a safe, caring space to share, listen, and find hope alongside others who understand. All are welcome.

Watch FUMCSD Performance of 'A Season to Sing'

Enjoy this compilation of moments from the 2025 Advent Choral Concert

Thank you to all who joined us for our Advent Choral Concert! It was such a special event. Composer Joanna Forbes L'Estrange has shared this video on her YouTube channel. Enjoy!

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

We're Hosting Interfaith Shelter Network!

Sat. Feb. 28 - Sat. Mar. 14 | Volunteer Sign Up

Help us host overnight guests during our two-week rotation. Help with set up, transportation, food, hosting, or clean up. We're also accepting food and supply donations - more information coming soon! Questions? Contact Sharmon Davis.

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. Feb. 14, 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.

Samaritan Store Donations

Help Restock Our Pantry | Bring Donations to Church Office

Food that's needed: Applesauce, pudding cups, fruit cups, tuna packets, Chef Boyardee (any flavor), granola bars, soups, canned chicken or chicken packets, Keebler peanut butter or cheese crackers (8-pack), Capri Sun drink packets (any flavor). If donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops.

The River Book Study

Wed. Feb. 4 | 6 PM | Zoom | Email Rev. Hannah for link

Join our monthly LGBTQIA friends for monthly fellowship as we study the book: Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology.

Young Adult Book Study

Wed. Feb. 4 | 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 February, we'll discuss chapters 9 & 10.

Parents Forum

2nd Sun. Feb. 8, 10:10 - 10:30 AM | The Cove (UMC Building)

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

United Women in Faith District Spiritual Retreat 

Fri. March 13 at 4 PM to Sat. March 14 at 2 PM | Register with Barb Eveland

Join the FUMCSD United Women in Faith (UWF) at the district retreat: "Soul Care 2026" It takes place at Camp Cedar Glen in Julian and all women are invited! Cost is $150 for both days or $50 for Saturday only. Registration and payment deadline is February 20. Questions? Contact Barb Eveland.

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

Kids and teens leave immediately after "A Time With Children" to work on our Spring musical: In the Image by Mark Burrows. Everyone is invited to participate – no prior experience is necessary! 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)

UMC Scholarships: General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

High School Seniors: Apply for scholarships Jan. 7 – Mar. 13!

GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, they award an average of $4.5 million to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. You only submit one application per year that’s screened for all possible eligible programs!

Cal-Pac UMC Summer Camp Registration Now Open

6 Sessions Across 3 Camps | Grades 1-12 | Early Bird Pricing Through Mar. 1

Summer adventure awaits at Camp Cedar Glen in Julian: Elementary Camp is June 22-26 and Junior High and Senior High Camp is June 27 - July 3! The Cal-Pac conference also has two additional camps with offerings for kids and teens: Camp Wrightwood (North East of Pasadena) and Lazy W Ranch (in San Juan Capistrano).

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.

Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep and Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. | Sat. Feb. 7 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 2

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. | Feb . 19 | 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 Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Church office closed on Mon. Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents' Day.

2025 Year-End Giving Statements

Giving statements were emailed from Realm on Sunday, February 1. If you do not have an email address with Realm, you will receive a statement in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Hawk.

We're Hiring: Director of Stewardship and Development

Share or Apply | Get Description & Details

The church is seeking an experienced development, fundraising, or stewardship professional to help grow our resources so we can fulfill our mission and ministry goals. Questions? Contact Linda Hawk.

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!

• Room Request: https://www.fumcsd.org/room-request
• Communications Request: https://www.fumcsd.org/publicity-request

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.