NASA Earthrise and San Diego School of Christian Studies Logo

eNEWS - Feb 3, 2025

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Donations Needed: Dominican Republic Service-Learning Trip

Accepting financial donation online & medical supplies

In just a couple of weeks, our youth are traveling with Congregation Beth Israel to the Dominican Republic for an interfaith a service-learning trip to help build housing. They need your support to help offset the cost of participation, and to allow us to gift medical supplies through our partner organization to the people of La Guama, the village we will be staying and working in.



Questions? Please contact Rev. Hannah.

sound healing for Gaza

Sound Healing for Gaza: Doctors Without Borders Fundraiser

Thurs. Feb. 6 | 6:30 PM | Normal Heights United Church | Learn More

Normal Heights United Church and Sharp Memorial Hospital  Sound Healing Team are joining hearts to raise money for Doctors Without Borders and their life-changing work in Gaza – 100% of the proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders and their work among Palestinians in Gaza.


Experience the soothing deep sound vibrations from skilled musicians, sound artists and healers as they blend crystal singing bowls, Gongs, chimes, drums and other instruments creating relaxation and peace. This event is an opportunity for self-care while at the same time supporting our Palestinian siblings. Following the sound journey there will be time for connection with tea and light refreshments.

United Women in Faith (UWF) 2025 Annual Meeting

Sat. Feb. 8 | 10:30 AM | Linder Lounge

The FUMCSD chapter of United Women in Faith invites you to join us for an uplifting meeting! All women are welcome and are encouraged to bring a friend and a shareable breakfast favorite, if you'd like. No registration is necessary.


We'll be joined by the UWF District President Lyn Hays. Lyn will let us know what is going on in the district and be discussing the 2025 goals for United Women in Faith.  


Questions? Contact Valerie Mickey by email or at 951-347-2341.


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.

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

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 registerThere’s no charge for this event, but you must RSVP so that we know how many sewing machines will be needing electricity.

GROW

2025 Confirmation Class: Grades 7 - 12

Starts Sun. Feb. 2 | Sign Up Online

Come learn about Methodism, explore your faith, and become a member of First Church. Get all of the dates and details when you visit the registration page online. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Hannah.

woman in nature with book

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.

Listen Now

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.

Patreon Channel

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

Koinonia

1st Friday of the month

8 AM | Zoom

Speaker & Fellowship

Register for Zoom

Heart of Christianity

Sundays

11 AM | Zoom

Book Study

Register for Zoom

SERVE

Showers of Blessings

Showers of Blessings

2nd Saturday: Feb. 8 | 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. 

paper bags

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 Update

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!

CONNECT

Get to know your church neighbors!


Water's Edge

Sat. Feb. 8 | 10 AM | Daybreak Island Grill 2296 Bacon Street, San Diego CA 92107 | RSVP Tom Trujillo 


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


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).

Book cover for Adventures In Missing The Point

Young Adult Book Study

Tues. Feb. 4 | 5 PM | Zoom | Email Rev. Hannah or RSVP Online

We meet online on the 1st Tuesday of the month to discuss the book Adventures in Missing the Point by Brian D. McLaren and Tony Compolo.

 

In February, we'll discuss chapters on Women in Ministry, Leadership, Seminary. Email Rev. Hannah for Zoom meeting link. 

The River (LGBTQ group)

First Wednesday of the Month: Feb. 5 | 5:30 PM | Online | RSVP 

Join us for a book study on the book Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World. This book study is exclusively for our immediate LGBTQI friends only. Allies will have an opportunity to join us for future events and studies. Register online

Parents Forum

Sun. Feb. 9 | 10:10 - 10:30 AM | The Cove (UMC building)

On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka

Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka

Traditional Worship

Sundays | 9 AM | Sanctuary

Imago Dei: Differently Abled

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26


Join us in person or watch our Livestream


For our online viewers: Consecrated elements for communion are available for pick up Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, or can be mailed upon request.

Watch Live
Sermon Archive

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel

Who Are We? Differently Abled

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26


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.

Altar Flowers  
Donating altar flowers on Sunday is a way to recognize significant events in your family’s life.  Bouquets are $65 each and anyone can donate one or two bouquets. If you are interested, please contact Demmie Divine in the church office about available dates. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH

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.

Kids First

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.

CARE & PRAYER

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

Request a Prayer

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. 8 | 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. 

Request a Prayer Quilt
Alzheimers Assoc

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 BUSINESS & NOTICES

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM


Church office will be closed Mon. Feb. 17 for Presidents Day

Memorial Garden Hours
Monday - Friday - 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday - 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8 AM - 4 PM
megaphone_icon_vector.jpg

Church Council Meeting: Feb. 8 meeting cancelled

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.

Annual Giving Statements

Annual giving statements have been sent out via email to all givers who have an email address on file with the church. Please check your inbox and possibly your junk mail folder for your giving statement link. If you don’t have an email address in our system, your giving statement has been sent in the physical mail.


If you have any questions about your giving or cannot access your statement, please contact Jason Tucker at jtucker@fumcsd.org. We are so grateful for the generosity of this congregation and its commitment to funding our ministries together year after year.

Weekly Attendance

1/26/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 298

1/26/24, livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 261

Avg. watch-time: 21:08

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3,282


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.

David Patterson

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!

Facebook  Instagram  Youtube

fumcsd.org

619-297-4366


2111 Camino del Rio South,

San Diego, CA 92108

Connect with Us