How does the Church work? And where are we going?

Leadership Training

Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 5 - 6 PM | Linder 2 & Zoom | RSVP by 1/12

Join Rev. Trudy and Linda Hawk to learn more about the inner workings, administrative structure, and work of each committee at FUMCSD. This training is open to all who are or want to be a part of the church’s leadership.

Coffee & Clergy

Sun. Jan. 18 | 10:15-10:45 AM | Linder Patio

New to First Church? Join our pastors on the patio for a chat over coffee. No registration necessary, just meet us after service!

CST's 47th Annual Rev. MLK Jr. Lecture & Celebration

Tues. Jan. 20 | Free Lecture: 7 PM, in-person & livestreamed | Register

Join the Claremont School of Theology's 47th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration. Register to hear keynote speaker Dr. Charity Chandler-Cole, one of the foremost voices in child welfare, youth justice, and systematic change. Dinner tickets are also available for $30 per person.

Dream School of the Arts 5K Fundraiser

Sat. Jan. 24 | 7:30 AM | Start & Finish at DSOA | Register

Come walk, run, cheer, and support the Dream School at this fun event powered by lululemon Fashion Valley; all proceeds directly benefit DSOA. All paces are welcome and the event is open to kids, strollers, and supporters of all kinds. Register online to be a runner / walker. You can also be part of the fun by helping at a cheer station halfway along the route! Sign up to cheer: Dream School 5k Cheer Station.

Save the Date: Blood Drive at FUMCSD

Sun. Jan. 25 | 10 AM – 3:30 PM | Plaza | Sign Up

Want to help save lives within San Diego and beyond? Join us in our Plaza (in front of Sanctuary) for a San Diego Blood Blank blood drive. If this is your first time donating please review the San Diego Blood Bank FAQs. Also please read all COVID-19 blood donation restrictions related to symptoms, exposure, vaccinations, masks and travel outside California here.

Perspectives Podcast Anniversary Celebration

Sun. Jan. 25 | 12 PM | Linder Hall & Online | Register

Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast is turning 2! Join us to celebrate as we look back on favorite moments, laugh at some bloopers, and look forward to another year of conversation and growth. Please register in advance so we have enough seats! You can also reserve lunch for $15.

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

Weds. Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 | 12-1:30 PM | Congregation Beth Israel & Zoom | RSVP

Join Rev. Trudy and Rabbi Jason for two lunch-and-learn sessions 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 per session; online is free. Register for one or both sessions online.

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).

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!

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.

2025 Confirmation Class: Grades 7 - 12

Starts Sun. Feb. 1 | 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. 

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss the themes of Tapestry & Perspectives

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

Enjoy decorating? Become a Sanctuary Decorator!

Help us "deck the halls" for Christmas and other events.

Our volunteer group is led by Linda Greene. If you'd like to help decorate the church for Christmas and other events, email Linda for more details.

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.

We're Hosting Interfaith Shelter Network!

Save the Dates: Sat. Feb. 28 - Sat. Mar. 14 | Volunteer Sign Up Coming Soon

Help us host overnight guests during our two-week rotation. We need volunteers for the following:

• Transport cots and guest belongings on first and last days
• Help set up and breakdown on first and last days
• Make and serve dinner meals for 12 guests, coordinators, and hosts
• Serve as an overnight host

Sign up links will be shared soon. In the meantime, mark your calendar. Questions? Contact Sharmon Davis.

Page Turners 2026 Spring Study

Sundays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Lower Sanctuary Meeting Room | RSVP

Page Turners is starting its Spring book study, discussing "Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart" by Brian McLaren. Questions? Contact Karl Martin.

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

Start the new year with a healthy mindset! Kids and teens leave immediately after "A Time With Children" to meet with New Life Counseling Center to discuss social and emotional wellness. We'll split into two age groups: K-5 and 6-12 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.

Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep and Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. | Thurs. Jan. 15 | 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. | Jan. 15 | 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 Jan. 19 in observance of MLK Jr. Day

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.