Pastoral Message From Western Jurisdiction Bishops

Watch video from Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank and others.

Like many of us, the Western Jurisdiction bishops have been paying attention to the stories in our national news feeds that showcase, above all, how deeply fractured our country is right now. They've come together to deliver us this important video message as we seek to reclaim the narrative of love, justice, and mercy.

Donate to Dominican Republic Trip

Accepting financial donation online through the end of this week.

Our youth and adults embark this Friday on their service-learning trip! They'll travel with a group from Congregation Beth Israel to the Dominican Republic to help build housing. They need your support to help offset the cost of participation.

Questions? Please contact Rev. Hannah.

Perspectives Podcast: Live Q & A with Rev. Trudy

Mon. Feb. 10 | 4 PM | Patreon Gold Members | Sign Up

Grab your favorite snack and drink and join Rev. Trudy for a live "Ask Me Anything" Perspectives Podcast Happy Hour. This is your opportunity to ask her about everything and anything – what has been her favorite Perspectives episode, what is her favorite Bible verse, how did she get into ministry, what would be her dream vacation?

This event is for our Patreon Gold-level subscribers as a thank you for supporting our digital Bible study ministry. You can learn more and join when you visit patreon.com/fumcsd.

Webinar: Solidarity With the Sojourner – Understanding U.S. Immigration

Mon. Feb. 10 | 4 PM | Hosted by General Board of Church & Society

The United Methodist GBCS is hosting a webinar later today for church leader and laity, providing an overall framework about the landscape of immigration at this time and different ways to respond. Everyone is invited to participate.

The webinar will be via Zoom and registration is required. Details and registration link are available at: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/solidarity-with-the-sojourners

Join Us on a Senior Safari

Wed. Feb. 19 | Meet in P5 (Music Center lot) at 10 AM | RSVP by Feb. 17

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is offering free admission to guests 65+ in February, including the Africa Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences (subject to availability). Take advantage of this free admission with your First Church friends!  

Meet in the Music Center parking lot to carpool (we'll leave promptly at 10:30 AM). We have space for 9 seniors in the church van (first come, first served basis). If more than 9 people would like to come, we can set up an additional carpool. We'll have lunch at "The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook" which has a varied menu. We kindly request a $10 donation to tip our church driver and buy his lunch.

This is also a great opportunity to wear your “Church Merch” to help identify us as a church family! (Orders take about 10 days to deliver, so order online ASAP.) 

To register, please email Bruce Johnson drrbj@icloud.com (619-540-9997) or Nick Hubsmith nhubsmith@fumcsd.org (619-977-7120) by Monday, February 17.  

Prayers & Squares Sit and Sew

Sat. Mar. 1 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP

Come sew with us! Work on your choice: a Prayer Quilt, a quilt of your own, a garment, kitchen curtains –whatever you would like to sew. Be prepared for fellowship and fun.

Get all the details and register. There’s no charge for this event, but you must RSVP so that we know how many sewing machines will be needing electricity.

Next SDSCS Event: San Diego's Water Supply

Sat. Mar. 8 | 9:30 AM | Linder Hall & Online | RSVP

Join team members of the City of San Diego as they share about the City’s Pure Water program, which will provide nearly half of San Diego's water supply locally by the end of 2035 using proven water purification technology to clean recycled water to produce safe, high-quality drinking water.

This lecture is open to anyone interested in learning more about San Diego’s water supply and the water challenges currently faced by our region. In addition to explaining the need for a multi-faceted approach to mitigating these challenges, City team members will provide an update on the construction projects underway to make this program a reality. 

This event is one of five taking place throughout the year as part of the "Loving God's Environmental Creations" series. Visit fumcsd.org/sdscs to view the full schedule of events.

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.

Become a Patreon

Connect with others & support our podcast | 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.

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

LA Marathon Dream School Fundraiser

Help raise $2,600 for DSOASD ($100 / marathon mile)!

Our student enrichment program, Dream School of the Arts San Diego, is kicking off 2025 with a marathon fundraiser. Mr. Kenton will be running in the upcoming LA marathon and we're invited to partner with him to inspire and equip our young Dreamers.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate – every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to the goal
• Share – spread the word with friends, family, and colleagues who believe in the power of education and the arts

Your support will help DSOA continue to inspire and equip young Dreamers to pursue their creative passions. Together, we can make a difference—one mile, one dollar, and one dream at a time. Thank you for believing in this mission. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember! – Kenton Reaves Hundley, Executive Director of DSOASD

Sack Lunches for Migrants

Help make lunches each Sunday from 10-11 AM

While the need at the airport is now quite small, we are still making lunches weekly to deliver to various locations. "We're All We Got San Diego" (WAWGSD) continues to reimburse us for groceries and supplies, and we are getting bread from Cornerstone Church in Poway's bread ministry. Thank you so much for your continued joy and participation.

Beryl Flom and Wendy Young

Co-Chairs

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/

Samaritan Store

We're seeking donations to help fill the food bags that we give to our neighbors in need.

The following food items would be especially appreciated: tuna, fruit cups, SpaghettiOs (any flavor), Chef Boyardee (any flavor), soup, small cereal boxes, Vienna sausages, spam, canned chicken, small assorted candy bars. When donating canned food, please choose pull-back tops for easy opening!

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!

San Carlos / Del Cerro

Mon. Feb. 17 | 5:30 PM | Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant 6690 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego CA 92120 | RSVP Carol Hartupee (619-922-4647) or Jack Hoover (765-618-6636)

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

Wed. Feb. 19 | 12 PM | Troy's Greek Restaurant 10450 Friars Road, San Diego CA 92120 | RSVP Richard Willis

North County

Sat. Feb. 22 | 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.

Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch

Sun. Feb. 23 | 12:30 PM | Flavors of East Africa 2322 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104 | 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.

Mission Hills / Hillcrest

Mon. Feb. 24 | 11 AM | Jimmy Carter's Mexican Bistro 3172 5th Avenue, San Diego CA 92103 | RSVP Nick Hubsmith

Serra Mesa/Mission Valley

Wed. Feb. 26 | 5:45 PM | Bully's East 2401 Camino del Rio S, San Diego CA 92108 | RSVP Bill or Barbara Horton

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

Who Are We? Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Scripture: Acts 8:36-40

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 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.

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

Feb. 20 | 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: Feb. 20 | 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 Mon. Feb. 17 for Presidents Day

Church Council Meeting

Next meeting: Sat. Mar. 1 | 8:30 AM | Linder 1 & Zoom

This meeting is open to all and a great opportunity to hear updates on initiatives happening at First Church. If you aren't a Church Council member 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.

Weekly Attendance

2/2/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 314

2/2/24, livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 280

Avg. watch-time: 22:36

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3,288

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!