eNEWS - March 9, 2026

Reel Theology: Conversations on Film & Faith

New YouTube Series | New Videos 3/9-3/12 | Watch Now

Like movies? Looking forward to the Academy Awards? So is Rev. Trudy! She was recently joined by Revs. Hannah and Brittany to discuss their thoughts on some of this year's movie nominations. Hear about their favorites and how they provide insight into faith. We'll be posting a new movie review each day on our YouTube channel, starting today!

UMC Church & Society Lenten Webinar Series

Ashes to Action: Lent as Non-Violent Resistance | March 12 & March 19 | RSVP

Lent isn't just a season of reflection; it's a season of repentance, resistance, and courageous prophetic witness. But it's often difficult for us to know where and how to start. That's why the General Board of Church & Society is offering this 2-hour interactive webinar series.


March 12 at 11 AM PT: "Noncooperation" | Register

Led by Rev. Kent Gilbert of Freedom Trainers Network


March 19 at 11 AM PT: "Nonviolent Resistance Training: Tools for Faithful Action" | Register

Led by Nadine Block of Beautiful Trouble

Coffee & Clergy

Sun. Mar. 15 | 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!

Help Deliver Easter Cheer: Seeking Donations & Volunteers

Donate individually-wrapped candy by 3/15 | Assemble bags 3/16 at 12 PM

Caring Hearts will once again deliver Easter bags to our homebound and online church community. You can help by donating indvidually-wrapped candy. Please bring donation into the church office by March 15. Want to help assemble bags? Join us on Monday, March 16 at 12 PM in Linder Lounge! We'll start with fellowship and potluck before filling bags and boxes.

Hearts of Christianity: New Book

Sundays at 11 AM | Zoom | Register

Hearts of Christianity just started a new series of discussions related to the themes presented in the book "How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith" by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde.

Spring Musical: In The Image

Mark Your Calendar for Sun. Mar. 22 | 11 AM | Linder Hall

Our kids and youth have been working hard to prepare an entertaining and inspiring musical. Over the course of 30 minutes, you'll journey through an imaginative wondering of just what it means to be created in the image of God. Grab a friend or neighbor and come prepared for a good time!

GROW

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss themes of Perspectives & Tapestry

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


SERVE

Volunteer with Racial Justice Grantee: Majdal Center

See specific opportunities listed below or sign up as a general volunteer to help support this Racial Justice Grantee. Sign up through the Majdal Center website.


Digital Literacy Course: Help community members build basic digital literacy skills. Once a week for 2 hours weekly for 4 weeks, starting in April.


English Conversational Course: Support refugees and immigrants as they practice and strengthen their English language. Wednesdays at 4-6 PM starting in March.

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. Mar. 14, 7:30-9:30 AM | St. Paul’s Cathedral Courtyard, 2728 Sixth Avenue | Learn More

Help your neighbors! Prepare a dish, help serve, or drop off donations. Contact Katherine Stone for details and to sign up.

Greeter & Usher Training

Sun. Mar. 22 | 10 AM | Sanctuary | Sign Up

Help others feel seen, safe, and at home in worship at FUMCSD! Join our upcoming training to learn how to be the face of intentional welcome and be part of our hospitality volunteer team. All are welcome – no experience necessary.

Share a Cup of Hospitality: Donate Your Favorite Teas

Accepting individually wrapped tea bags for Sunday mornings!

A group of tea lovers at First Church have started bringing their favorite teas to share with others during our Sunday morning donut time. If you love tea and would like to contribute, you can bring your individually wrapped tea bags to the church office and we'll add it to the collection.

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.

CONNECT

Meet Your Church Neighbors


First Friday Fellowship: Fri. Mar. 6 | 8 AM | Lower Sanctuary Meeting Room (Library) & Zoom | For our church family in their "silver" years! | Questions? Contact Mike Sorce

 

Water’s Edge: Sat. Mar. 14 | 10 AM |Daybreak Island Grill 2296 Bacon Street, San Diego | RSVP Tom Trujillo


Coronado / Downtown / Point Loma /Ocean Beach: Wed. Mar. 18 | 11:30 AM | Pizza Nova 5050 N Harbor Dr, San Diego | RSVP Bruce Johnson


Serra Mesa / Mission Valley: Wed. Mar. 18 | 5:30 PM | Elijah's Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego | RSVP to Bill or Barbara Horton


Younger Adults 4th Sunday Brunch: Sun. Mar. 22 | 12 PM | Connect with other 20s to 40s at a different local eatery each month. Email Rev. Hannah. 


North Park / South Park / University Heights / Normal Heights / Kensington: Wed. Mar. 25 | 11:30 AM | Elijah's Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego | RSVP Richard Willis


Hillcrest / Mission Hills: Sat. Mar. 28 | 11:30 AM | Jo’s Mission Hills Diner 807 W. Washington Street, San Diego | RSVP Marilyn Wegner


Men's Coffee Group: Fridays (except 1st Friday) | 8-9 AM | Lower Sanctuary Meeting Room (Library) & Zoom | Bring your coffee, breakfast, and friendship! Contact Bruce Johnson or Nick Hubsmith for more information.


Senior Fellowship Group: Fridays | 12-2:30 PM | Linder Lounge | Potluck lunch followed by games. | Call Ginger (no texts) with questions: 858-302-9592

FUMCSD United Women in Faith

All women are invited to join our UWF chapter! Get details and circle meeting schedule on our webpage. Mark your calendars for these events:


Palm Sunday Bake Sale: Sun. Mar. 29 following 9 AM worship | Linder Lounge | Contact Marilyn Schiebal to volunteer


Spring Fiesta: Sun. Apr. 26 | Watch for details and ticket sales!


Annual Rummage Sale: Fri. Aug. 14 & Sat. Aug. 15 | Volunteer for our rummage sale committee! Contact Nyla Marson to help.


Get Your Free Name Tag

Email Mike Sisson | Easy-to-wear name tag for Sunday Services to help meet others!

SUNDAY WORSHIP

We offer two styles of worship – attend one or both!

Infant-Pre-K childcare is available during both services.

Traditional Worship

Sundays at 9 AM in our Sanctuary & Livestreamed via YouTube and Website Learn More

Mar. 15 Service Scripture, Sermon & Preacher:

Matthew 27:57-61

Message by Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin

The People of the Passion – The Privileged

Want to revisit a sermon? See our online Sermon Archive

Tapestry Contemplative Service

Sundays at 11 AM in Trotter Chapel

Learn More

We meditate on the same scripture as the 9 AM service but instead of a sermon, we consider themes through contemplative questions and conversation based on scripture, art, and other inspiration.

Donate Altar Flowers

Recognize significant events in your family’s life! Bouquets are $65 each.

Contact the Church Office for available dates  

CHILDREN & YOUTH

March Children and Youth Sunday Schedule


Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K | Sundays, 8:40 AM – 12 PM | CGC Multipurpose Room

A loving and nurturing environment for your youngest family members. Free of charge and located just across the Plaza from the Sanctuary.

Kinder-12th Grade | Sundays, 9:15-10 AM | Start in Sanctuary & End in The Cove

Kids and teens leave immediately after "A Time With Children" to work on our Spring musical: In the Image by Mark Burrows. Everyone is invited to participate – no prior experience is necessary! 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)

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!

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.

CARE & PRAYER

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. Mar. 19 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Linder 2 | RSVP

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. | Mar . 19 | 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 BUSINESS & NOTICES

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM


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

Church Council Meeting

Next meeting: Sat. Mar. 14 | 8:30 AM | Linder 2 & Zoom

Open to all! If you aren't a Church Council member, please email Church Office to receive the agenda and link to the meeting.  

Easy Giving

Contact church office with your questions about giving and tithing to First Church.

Cash/Check: During worship or mail check to church office

Give Online: One time or recurring

TEXT to Give: Text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256

Worship Attendance:

Sunday, 3/1/26

In-person (9 & 11 AM) attendees: 325

Livestream (9 AM) viewers: 245

Livestream avg. watch-time: 26:38

YouTube Subscribers: 3,930

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!

David Patterson

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.

fumcsd.org

619-297-4366


2111 Camino del Rio South,

San Diego, CA 92108

Facebook  Instagram  Youtube