eNEWS - February 15, 2021 |
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Return to Church Update
How wonderful it is to hear a member of the church say, "I’ve got my first vaccine shot and my second is scheduled!” Behind that excitement is the great hope that we will be able to come together again, at church, in-person! That is my hope, to be sure. But it is complicated.
The Supreme Court lifted California’s ban on churches meeting in person, but, not without restrictions. Our Bishop Grant Hagiya of the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church responded with this update from the Bishop.
As the leadership of First UMC of San Diego makes decisions about coming together in person, we consider the fact that some people will be vaccinated while others won’t be yet. The risk of contracting COVID will still be present and we'll still need to maintain the big 4: taking temperature checks, wearing masks, keeping 6’ distance, and sanitizing hands. In addition, we are still bound by the San Diego County Health restrictions and the guidance of our Bishop.
Given the Return to Church Task Force’s value of not hosting anything intended for the entire community, until we have made it possible for the entire community to participate, we will not be doing our primary worship service in person for a while.
Parallel Ministries
We are, however, gearing up for parallel ministries, for creating opportunities to come together safely in small groups, and even looking further into the future to make sure we have the biggest, most celebratory re-gathering in person the church has ever seen!
Rev. Trudy
Click the button below to read the whole letter from Rev. Trudy and learn more details.
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REV. DR. GEORGE DAVIS PASSING |
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Rev. Dr. George Davis, Associate Minister at First Church for more than 20 years, died February 10. He is survived by his wife, Mary, children Jodi (Richard) Turnblad, Mark, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren that he shared with Mary. Rev. George will be remembered as a wonderful counselor and supporter of members of this congregation and for his part in the Memorial Garden, starting the New Life Counseling Center and Grief programs.
In celebration of his life and in lieu of flowers or gifts, the Dr. Reverend George Lafayette Davis Memorial Fund has been established at First United Methodist Church of San Diego for the benefit of the New Life Counseling Center. A tax-deductible gift can be made at: https://onrealm.org/FirstChurchSanDiego/give/DavisMemorial
You can read the Rev. Davis Obituary here
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Most of us prefer peace.
Most of us don’t like to cause trouble. Most of us avoid conflict. Jesus, however, disrupted his home synagogue when he spoke words that sounded like blasphemy to others there. Jesus, however, broke the norms of sabbath law and stirred up the ire of those for whom the law was irrefutable. Jesus, however, broke convention as he ate with sinners and invited women to sit at his feet to learn. Jesus did all of this for the sake of bringing good news to the poor, the sick, and the excluded. “Good Trouble,” John Lewis said.
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Ash Wednesday Service
It takes courage to bring good news... It takes clarity of purpose to make good trouble. It takes a certain amount of fearlessness to follow Jesus. Fearless is our theme for Lent. Lent begins with an Ash Wednesday Worship Service when we remember the fleeting and precious nature of life with the imposition of ashes. It takes fearlessness to look at death.
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How to prepare for Ash Wednesday 2021
Prepare for Ash Wednesday by driving through the church parking lot: P2 on Wednesday, February 17, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, to pick up an envelope of ashes for you to use at home during worship. If you are unable to make this time, pick up ashes outside the church office Monday or Tuesday, February 15 and 16, between 8 AM and 4 PM. Then watch the Ash Wednesday Worship service at noon live-streamed or later via the First Church San Diego YouTube Channel.
After Ash Wednesday, during the six Sundays in Lent, we will look at the stories of Jesus where he risked reputation, rejection, temptation, the loss of friends, and, as we head into Holy Week, his life. There is much to fear. But “Do not fear” is the most often repeated command in scripture. We see what fearlessness looks like in Jesus. As we take the command “Do not fear” into our own lives, may we, too, become Fearless.
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Church-Wide Lenten Book Study
Take some time during Lent to read the 2015 Brené Brown book entitled, Daring Greatly. In our daily lives, we experience uncertainty, face risks, and deal with a variety of emotions, which can produce fearlessness when we learn to be vulnerable and dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, LMSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Then join our book study discussion on Zoom on Wed, April 7 | 7- 8:30 PM (link to RSVP coming soon).
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Lenten Daily Devotion
"Fearless like..." is a daily Lenten devotion written by members and staff on becoming fearless followers that will be available on our website and through online subscription starting on Ash Wednesday. Click below to subscribe.
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In-Person Communion for Lent
Sunday, Mar. 7 | 1 or 2 PM | LInder Patio | RSVP by 3/4
Attendance is restricted to 45 people, registration is mandatory, and safety measures will be taken.
As COVID settles down once again and as vaccinations have started to find their way into people's bodies, we will return to our small group, in-person gathering for the sacrament of Holy Communion. Register your attendance as group size is limited and first-come, first served. The short communion service on Linder Patio features prayer, a brief meditation, and the chance to see a few other members of the church, behind masks and from a distance, but in real life.
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Interfaith Shelter Network 2021
Due to the pandemic, the 2021 Shelter will be hosting guests at a local Mission Valley motel and using a meal service to deliver two meals/day. The need for your generous support is even more critical.:
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Financial support to help cover the costs of the motel rooms and meals (approximate cost of $115 per room/day). Please consider making a monetary donation online. Select "Special Gift" and write: "Interfaith Shelter Donation." Checks mailed to church are also welcome.
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Small baggies with 1 laundry pod and $4 in quarters. Please bring to church on Wed. Feb. 17, 10:30 - 11:30 AM during the the pick-up of the Ashes.
Thank you so much for your continued financial support
Linda Thornhill and Cathy Spies, ISN Coordinators.
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Note! No Pastor's Bible Study on 2/17 (Ash Wednesday)
Next Pastor’s Bible Study: The Passion of Jesus
Wednesdays, Feb. 24 - Mar. 24 | RSVP (new Zoom link)
During Lent, Pastor’s Bible Study will focus on the last week in the life of Jesus. This last week brought everything for which Jesus lived into focus and uncovered the risk involved in standing for things that threaten the position of many people in power. Placing this week in its historical context, looking at scriptural nuances and language, hearing the story yet again, provides new insights that inspire us to take our own risks as followers of Jesus Christ.
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"FUMCSD Pastor's Bible Study" Podcast
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Book Study: Deemed Unworthy
Feb. 15 - Mar. 1
When the color of your skin is the only thing society sees, even being a doctor is not enough. In this compelling book, Dr. Robert Butler shares his experiences growing up Black in America. Join this Monday Evening Book Club on Zoom, led by William Stephenson Ph.D. It is suggested that you obtain the book Deemed Unworthy: Being a Doctor is Not Enough by Robert L. Butler prior to the class start.
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Conversations
Wednesdays, 7 PM | New study 2/17-3/17: Towards the Sunrise, will focus on the disciples and their journey of faith from confusion to conviction, and walk with them along the Emmaus Rd as they encounter the risen Lord. We also look at other famous journeys, including those of Nelson Mandela, John Wesley, John Newton and Captain Scott of Antarctic fame.
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Prayers of the People
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM
Ongoing
Join us as we pray for one another and shared prayer requests.
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Koinonia
Fridays, 8 AM
Ongoing
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Heart of Christianity
Sundays, 10:30 AM
Ongoing
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Tips for live-stream worship:
Go to our Live Stream page - check out the buttons on this page beforehand to:
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Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
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9 AM | Rev. Trudy Robinson | 1st Sunday in Lent
Risking Reputation
10 AM | Rev. Jessica Strysko
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Do you have problems finding our live-stream or a link is not working?
- Go to Youtube.com
- Search First Church San Diego
- "Bookmark" or save the First Church San Diego as your "favorite"
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Children and Youth Ministries Sunday Schedule
For more information contact the Dir. of Discipleship for Children & Youth Kenton Reaves Hundley, 619-297-4366 x118
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Would you like someone to talk to?
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. A Stephen Minister will meet with you privately—by phone, by video chat, or, if safely possible, in person—to offer care and support. It’s free and completely confidential. For more information, email Pastor Tamara.
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Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services and funerals. |
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Join us every Sunday at 10 AM when we live-stream from Ocean Beach Campus!
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CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES |
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Racial Justice Endowment noticed in the news
Watch the interview with Rev. Trudy regarding the Racial Justice endowment program supporting local organizations that address issues of racism, social justice and bettering the lives of people of color. Here is the segment aired on CBS 8 on Jan. 31 in cased you missed it.
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Office Closed
The church office remains closed under state/county order. Staff continues to work from home and are available via email or the church voicemail system.
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Giving
Budgeted Giving as of Feb. 7: $209,271.00
Actual Giving as of Feb. 7: $218,772.00
(Pledges, record of giving, unrestricted gifts, interest earnings, and contributions from the Children's Growing Center, Ocean Beach and our leased properties at both locations.)
How to give when the church office is closed and worship is online?
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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.
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TEXT to Give. Just text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256 and see how easy it can be!
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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.
Thank you as we work to keep everyone safe meet the church's ongoing expenses. Contact Jason Tucker with your questions about giving and tithing to First Church.
2020 Giving Statements
2020 Giving statements were sent Friday, Feb. 5, to email addresses on file with the church. You may need to check in your SPAM or Junk-mail folders to locate it. Givers who do not have an email on file had their statements mailed on that Friday, as well. If you haven't received your statement, contact Jason Tucker in the Development Office – jtucker@fumcsd.org and he’ll be able to help you.
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Offering Envelope Pickup for 2021
To reduce paper waste and expenses, we will use the surplus envelopes from last year. If you would like a box of envelopes for 2021, you can pick them up a box outside the church office on weekdays from 9 AM – 4 PM through the end of February. You will receive a box of envelopes with a random number, and the only time you’ll need to write any personal information on the envelope will be if you give in cash. As long as your names are on the checks you send in, we will be able to link your gifts to your account in our database.
If you are not able to pick up your envelopes and you still would like them, please contact Jason Tucker (619) 297-4366, x145 or jtucker@fumcsd.org to make arrangements for receiving your offering envelopes.
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Weekly Attendance
2/7 Sunday live-streamed services, real-time viewers: 831
Avg. watch-time: 21
First Church YouTube Subscribers: 856
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 live-stream.
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619-297-4366
2111 Camino del Rio South,
San Diego, CA 92108
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