Join Us in Praying for Our Neighbors

As many of you are aware, we've received reports from Cal-Pac about losses experienced by Conference staff and congregations, including the loss of church structures and homes. Please continue to pray for everyone impacted by the fires and the wind.

Here are specific prayer requests we've received from Cal-Pac: The buildings for Altadena UMC and Community UMC of Pacific Palisades were both lost to fires on Wednesday. Rev. John Shaver of Community UMC of Pacific Palisades also lost his home. Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Paige Eaves’ home was also lost to the Eaton fire in Altadena. We know that too many others in our congregations and communities have also lost their homes, and our prayers are with everyone as they mourn. God, please draw close to them. We lift up the communities of Hollywod UMC Hollywod Campus, Sierra Madre UMC, La Cañada UMC, First UMC Santa Monica, Church of the Good Shepherd, and others who experienced evacuations this week and may not know when they will return home or have power. We pray for the congregation of Church of the Foothills in Duarte and other churches that sustained damage from high winds this week.

How You Can Help With Immediate Relief Efforts

Many of you have asked what we can do to help. Here are the immediate requests that have been relayed by our conference. We will continue to share additional requests as they become known.

Target Gift Cards for Altadena UMC Congregation

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:

Denyse Barnes

c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference

PO Box 6006

Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Monetary Donations

Cal-Pac has set up a special Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week: www.calpacumc.org/donate

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Meet the 2024/25 Grantees

Sun. Jan. 19 | 9 - 11 AM | Sanctuary & Linder Patio

Hear from this year's Racial Justice Grantees to learn more about the important work they do for the local BIPOC community and how you can get involved. Meet this year's grantee organizations and learn more about the Racial Justice Grant program on our website.

Community Gathering: Lunch & Performance

Sun. Jan. 19 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP by Jan. 16

Our Racial Justice Celebration continues with a special All Church Gathering at 12:15 PM, where we'll enjoyed a catered luncheon and performance by the premier San Diego Black theatre: Common Ground Theatre. Common Ground Theatre produces works by and about people of African descent to entertain, educate, and connect with audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.

Cost is $15 per person – register online by January 16!

We're also seeking volunteers to help with the All Church Gathering: sign up online to volunteer or contact Rev. Hannah with questions.

2025 Sankofa Pilgrimage

Interest meeting on Jan. 26 | Trip takes place June 2 - 9

We're thrilled to announce that we'll be taking another journey of discovery in 2025! Save the date for June 2 - 9, 2025. We'll be traveling to St. Louis, Missouri; Springfield, Illinois; and Chicago, Illinois. There's so much history that we'll unpack together. Our itinerary includes tours and discussions at notable landmarks and museums, including Gateway Arch National Park, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and Emmett Till's resting place. You can register for the trip online.

If you'd like more information before registering, we encourage you to join our interest meeting on Sunday, January 26 from 12-1:30 PM. It will be available in person and on Zoom. Registration for the interest meeting will be live next week.

Mark Your Calendar: Mariachi Garibaldi

Sat. Jan. 25 | 4 - 6 PM | Linder Hall | Learn More

The next event in the Cultural Events Music Series is coming up on January 25 – and it's one that you won't want to miss: vibrant ranchera music played by Mariachi Garibaldi, a 15-student ensemble is directed by Dr. Jeffrey Nevin.

Dr. Nevin is Professor of Music and Director of Mariachi Activities at Southwestern College in Chula Vista where he has developed one of the first mariachi programs in the country. Dr. Nevin is author of Virtuoso Mariachi, which details the history and development of Mexico’s traditional music. His student ensemble is in frequent demand around southern California. Arrive early to claim your favorite seat!

The Power to Act: Earth Justice in San Diego

Sat. Feb. 1 | 9:30 AM | Linder Hall & Online | RSVP

Join us as we ask: How can you get involved in earth justice issues right here in San Diego? Why should persons of faith care? How are youth stepping up to create a better future for all of us? 

This expert panel is part of San Diego School of Christian Study's 2024-25 series. Local environmental leaders will share their personal stories, what inspires them to keep going, and concrete steps we can all take to make a difference.

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.

UMC Scholarships from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

High School Seniors & Above: Apply for scholarships Jan. 6 – Mar. 13!

GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students (must be a church member for 1 year+) 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. Scholarships are available for all ages and degree programs!

You only submit one application per year that’s screened for all possible eligible programs! Visit the GBHEM for information and to apply: https://www.gbhem.org/scholarships/

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.

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 | No Convergence on Jan. 19

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

Donations Needed: Dominican Republic Service-Learning Trip

Accepting financial donation online & medical supplies in office

This February, our youth are traveling with Congregation Beth Israel to the Dominican Republic for an interfaith a service-learning trip to help build housing. Our youth 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.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Donate money (online, by check, or on Sunday mornings)
• Donate medical supplies including first aid kits, bandages, gauze, gently-used eyeglasses, and orthopedic braces (bring to church office)

Questions? Please contact Rev. Hannah.

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!

Hillcrest / Mission Hills

Sat. Jan. 18 | 11 AM | NOLA on 5th 3683 Fifth Avenue, San Diego CA 92103 | RSVP Darrell Netherton via email or at 619-269-0439; please respond in advance for accurate headcount!

Serra Mesa / Mission Valley

Wed. Jan. 22 | 5:30 PM | Mimi's Cafe 5180 Mission Center Road, San Diego CA 92108 | RSVP Bill or Barbara Horton 

North County

Sat. Jan. 25 | 12 PM | Filippi's Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92131 | RSVP Kent Schrock via email or at 858-735-0041 | Bring cash to pay!

Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch

Sun. Jan. 26 | 12:30 PM | 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.

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? Racial and Cultural

Scripture: Revelation 7:9-10

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

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. of the month: Jan 16 | 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: Jan. 16 | 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. Jan. 20 for MLK Jr. Day

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

1/5/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 298

1/5/24, livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 262

Avg. watch-time: 24:10

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3,234

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!