Coming Soon: eNews Updates



We’re updating our eNews to improve readability and email length, so don’t be surprised if you start to see changes! The emails will still be sent Monday mornings and the from email address will remain the same. 

Our Role for Pride in San Diego: Stop ALL Hate

Help us further our message of loving your neighbor and stopping hate by participating in upcoming Pride celebrations. You can also help us spread our message of love by contributing to our Pride fund: Donate $100.

Light Up the Cathedral is Wed. July 16 at 7PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Avenue. Join Dean Penny Bridges, the FUMCSD pastors, and other LGBTQIA+ and allied faith leaders for an interfaith celebration. Following the service, the Cathedral will be lit in rainbow colors. Learn more.

A Special Pride Shabbat Service is taking place Fri. July 18 at 6:15 PM at Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Center Drive. Our friends at Beth Israel won’t be participating in this year’s Pride Festival due to safety concerns. In Rabbi Jason’s words, “When antisemitic rhetoric is normalized and given a platform, it can all too easily lead to violence against Jews such as in the recent domestic terror attacks in Boulder, CO, and Washington, D.C., both carried out by assailants who echoed similar hateful rhetoric as Kehlani.” Instead, Rabbi Jason and Congregation Beth Israel is offering the queer community alternative celebration, and as Rabbi Jason says, “We would love for our wonderful faith partners at FUMC to join in this joyful service.”

San Diego Pride Parade and Festival is Sat. July 19. We'll share specific participation details as we get closer to the date. If you’re interested in how we are involved, register for more info.

Back Pack & School Supply Drive for Cherokee Point Elementary  

July 6, 13, and 20 | 10 AM – 11 AM | Linder Patio  

It's time to cheer on our young friends and help them prepare for another great year of learning. Consider donating: backpacks, glue stick, spiral notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, scissors, crayons or colored pencils. We need smaller/lighter backpacks for TK-1 graders and larger heavy-duty backpacks for 2-5graders. 

Volunteers are needed to man the table on Linder Patio or stuff the bags. Contact Julie to sign up to help! 

Love Your Neighbor Book Study – New Book!

Mon. July 7, 14, 21 | 6 - 7 PM | Zoom | RSVP

The next book in the interreligious book study is "Why did Jesus, Moses, Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?" by Brian D. McLaren. Discussions begin Monday, July 7. UWF leaders are facilitating this study but everyone is invited to join! Register online today. Questions? Contact Barbara Eveland.

Family Fun Fest

Sunday, July 20 | 2-4 PM | Register

Let’s celebrate summer as a church family! Come enjoy unlimited bounce house time, face painting, popcorn, popsicles, and hot dogs and hamburgers! Cost is $10 each for everyone ages 4 and up. Little ones, ages 0-3, are free! Register by July 17.

Summer Sings Registration Now Open

Weds. July 9-30 | 6:30-9 PM | Music Center | Register Now

Sing with us this summer at FUMCSD! Learn from a different conductor each week and broaden your choral music repertoire. Sign up for specific weeks or register for all four sessions. Registration is $20 per session or $65 if you sign up for all four. Students are free!

Community Conversations: Mission Valley Property Affordable Housing

Sun. 7/13, 8/24, 9/7 | 10:15 AM | Linder Hall | RSVP

Join our Property Transition Team for guided discussions to help shape the direction we take with our Mission Valley campus. These sessions are tentatively scheduled for June 29, July 13, and August 24 between our Sunday morning services. We will also offer sessions on Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person. Keep an eye out for additional details!

Missed our June 1 community gathering? Watch a recording of the informational session on our website.

Racial Justice Grants Applications

We're now accepting applications for our next round of grants!

This year, we'll award a total of $36,000 with a special focus on addressing basic immediate needs, such as food, clothing, and emergency shelter. Please share with any San Diego County nonprofit that is working toward a more just and equitable San Diego, especially for our neighbors and communities of color.

Applications will be accepted through July 31. Additional details and application are available on our Racial Justice Grants webpage.

Annual Rummage Sale: We Need Your Donations!

Sun. July 13 | Linder Patio | Bring your gently used items

Donate your gently used items for the upcoming UWF Rummage Sale! Suggested items: housewares, small-scale furniture, functional electronics, sports equipment, smaller gardening tools (no lawn mowers), plant pots, decorative items for gardens, toys, bicycles, knick-knacks, gently used clothing (no stains or holes!) shoes, purses, hats, jewelry, bedding, and even tools! 

Bring your donations during these dates and times:

• Sun. July 13 | 8-9 AM, 10-11 AM | Linder Patio
• Sun. Aug. 3 | 8-9 AM, 10-11 AM | Linder 2
• Sun. Aug. 10 | 8-9 AM, 10-11 AM | Linder 2

 Donations will also be accepted during the week starting Wednesday, July 30. Donations must be made by August 14 at 4 PM!

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.

Prayers of the People

Pray for church family

Weds, 9:30 AM | Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Heart of Christianity

Member-led book study

Sundays, 11 AM | Zoom

Register for Zoom

Sunday School Volunteers Needed!

Help our kids! Only 35 minutes on assigned Sunday | Email Rev. Brittany

Sunday School starts immediately following A Time With Children – it's just a 35 minute commitment, and our goal is to get enough volunteers that you'll help just once a month. Materials and lesson plans are provided, so you get to focus on interacting with the kids. Email Rev. Brittany if you'd like to work with our phenomenal children and youth.

Samaritan Store

It's time to restock the pantry!

We're seeking donations to help fill the clothing closet, food bags, and hygiene kits that we make available to our neighbors in need. Here are some items that would be especially helpful: Ramen noodles (Beef and Chicken), applesauce, peanut butter, soup, SpagettiO's, Chef Boyardee, tuna (can or packet), boxed mac & cheese, fruit cups, vienna sausage, bottled water. If you are donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops for easy opening.

Donations can be brought to the church office on Sundays and during the week.

Senior Fellowship Group

Fridays | 12 - 2:30 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).

The River LGBTQIA+ Meeting

Wed. July 9 | 4:30 PM | Email Rev. Hannah for location

Join us at our next meeting, open to all LGBTQIA+ individuals and friends! Contact Rev. Hannah with any questions.

Get Your Free Name Tag

Email Mike Sisson to get yours!

Our church members would love to get to know you – so they're offering free name tags to help with the process! Contact Mike Sisson if you'd like an easy-to-wear name tag for Sunday services.

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel

Bridging Faith: Suspicion Quieted by Relationship

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4: 7-12

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 is on Summer Break!



We'll resume in September. We invite kids in grades K - 12 to worship in the Sanctuary with their families during the summer.

Now Enrolling Infants Through Pre-Kindergarten

CGC has openings! Call 619-295-1915 or visit fumcsd.org/cgc

Our school is accepting new students ages 0 - 5! 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: July 5 | 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 | Join us July 17 | 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 Fri. July 4

Giving: How to Give

1. Offering plate during worship
2. Give online - one time or automatically recurring
3. TEXT to Give - text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256
4. Mail your check directly to the church office

Contact Jason Tucker with your questions about giving and tithing to First Church.

Worship Attendance

6/22/25, in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 277

6/22/25, livestreamed service - 9 AM

Unique viewers: 238

Avg. watch-time: 26:42

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3478

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!