Property Transition Taskforce Update

Approved proposals from Sat. Mar. 1 Church Council Meeting

On Saturday, March 1, the Property Transition Team presented to the Church Council the following update on the task of exploring affordable housing on our Ocean Beach campus: 

The Cal-Pac Conference has final approval for any real estate transactions, so we met with our District Superintendent, Luis Garcia, and the Cal-Pac Conference Assistant to the Bishop, Paige Eaves. The Conference leadership requested a different vision for the OB property that would include a physical ministry presence, and implied a preference for maintaining ownership of the property.

First Church would like to support the Conference’s vision for starting a ministry in OB but do not have the resources at this time for such an effort, as much of our time, energy, and resources are implementing the other new ministries of our Re-Wilding vision. Therefore, the Property Transition Team put a motion before the Church Council to “pursue a return of the OB property (as-is) to the Cal-Pac Conference” and allow First Church to “focus resources on our effort to bring affordable housing to our Mission Valley campus.” Church Council approved the motion.

The transition of ownership for the Ocean Beach Property still requires some conversation and further approvals by both the Conference and First Church. We will keep you updated as things progress. Thank you for your prayers!

UWIF District Mission Study

Sat. Mar. 15 | 9:30 AM - 2:15 PM | Linder Hall | Register

We're excited to announce that our district-wide spring study is taking place here at FUMCSD! All women are invited to join us. Please register in advance if possible.

The theme is "Nurturing Faith; Sharing Mission Stories" and will focus on Ephesians 1:17-19a. See registration form fore more details.

Save the Date: Blood Drive at FUMCSD

Tues. Mar. 18 | 9 AM – 2:30 PM | Plaza | Sign Up

Want to help save lives within San Diego and beyond? Join us on Tuesday, March 18 in our Plaza (in front of Sanctuary) for a San Diego Blood Blank blood drive. The blood mobile will be at First Church San Diego from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. Please reserve an appointment time online.

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.

Finding Your Stories of Faith

Free Guided Journal for Lent | Download & Share Your Story

During this year's season of Lent, we invite you to consider your story of faith, a story that you write every moment of every day. We're offering a free downloadable book of prompts for you to meditate on throughout the season to help you uncover and record your story.

We hope you join us on this journey of self-reflection and discovery and are moved to share your story with those around you. Use the hashtag #fumcsdStory when sharing with your friends on social media so others can be inspired. You can also your story with our church community through our website: fumcsd.org/book.

Book Study: Wholehearted Faith

In-Person: RSVP | Online: RSVP | Or host your own discussion!

Join our pastors in reading Wholehearted Faith, a collection of essays by Rachel Held Evans, that she wrote while wrestling with her faith.

This is a slightly different take on our traditional study groups. We will all read the book independently and then join a watch party discussion to hear our pastors and community members' thoughts. You'll meet as a group to watch a recorded conversation of the pastors and then continue the conversation with those around you.

We have three options for participation:

• Online: Wednesday, April 9 | 6:30 PM | Zoom | RSVP to receive Zoom meeting information
• In-Person: Sunday, April 13 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP
• Host Your Own: We'd love for the conversation to continue. Let us know if you'd like to host a watch party for your friends and family and we'll equip you with the materials used for our in-person and online discussions.

Youth Spring Retreat: Answering God's Call in a Changing World 

6-12 Graders | Apr. 4 - 6 | Camp Cedar Glen | RSVP by Mar. 15

Grab a friend (or 2!) and join us for our spring retreat in Julian. We'll explore how we can respond to God's call in the midst of today’s challenges — whether it’s standing up for justice, supporting those in need, or finding peace in a turbulent world. It will be a transformative weekend of faith and fellowship! Cost is $150 for the first student and $100 for each sibling and friend.

All Church Gathering: The Stories That Save Us

Sun. Apr. 13 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall | Register

Mark your calendars for this special community gathering. We'll share lunch and reflect on our Lenten journey, viewing inspirations shared from our guided journal and hearing our pastors' conversation about Wholehearted Faith. Lunch is $15 per person and is optional; if you plan to eat before the event or would like to bring your own lunch, choose the "Discussion Only" registration option. Registration is now open online.

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.

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

Donate by 3/16: LA Marathon

Help raise funds for DSOASD!

Our student enrichment program, Dream School of the Arts San Diego, is kicking off 2025 with a marathon fundraiser. Mr. Kenton will be running in the upcoming LA marathon and we're invited to partner with him to inspire and equip our young Dreamers. The initial goal was $100/mile – that goal has been surpassed so we're now racing toward $200/mile!

Here's how you can help:

• Donate – every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to the goal
• Share – spread the word with friends, family, and colleagues who believe in the power of education and the arts

Your support will help DSOA continue to inspire and equip young Dreamers to pursue their creative passions. Together, we can make a difference—one mile, one dollar, and one dream at a time. Thank you for believing in this mission. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember! – Kenton Reaves Hundley, Executive Director of DSOASD

Donations Needed: Caring Hearts Easter Bags

Bring items to Church Office by April 6

We're preparing for our annual Easter bag delivery to our homebound church family. To help bring Easter cheer, we're asking for the following items: Easter cards, 3x3-inch Post It notes, individually wrapped candies, plastic Easter eggs, travel size lotion.

When bringing to the office, please clearly mark your donation for Caring Hearts. If you have questions, contact Officeassistant@fumcsd.org

Donations Needed: Easter Egg Hunt

Candy, trinkets, and baskets!

We're gearing up for our annual Easter Egg Hunt and are seeking donations. We have plenty of eggs but need fun things to put inside! Please bring items to the Church Office so we can get everything ready for the big day. Questions? Email Rev. Brittany. 

Samaritan Store

Thank for your continued donations!

Thanks to your continued generosity, we welcomed 67 guests in January and February of this year, distributing 62 bags of food, 30 sleeping bags, more than 50 hygiene kits, and more than 300 pairs of men's socks! The food bags that we give our neighbors include 9-11 non-perishable food items, such as fruit cups, soup, peanut butter, pudding, cereal, and tuna fish. It all depends on what donations we have received.

Donations can be brought to the church office on Sundays and during the week. If you are donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops for easy opening.

Youth Summer Service Trip

June 29 - July 5 | 6-12 Graders| Sign up by March 23

Call all 6-12 graders and their parents! Meet with Rev. Brittany this coming Sunday to learn about our 6-day service project with Sierra Service Project (SSP) here in San Diego!

The trip will take place June 29 - July 5 and is open to 6-12 graders. Trip RSVPs are need by March 23. Join us as we work with city governments, community organizations, and churches to organize our work near the international border of US and Mexico. Our service and learning will center around the intersection of immigration, wealth inequality, and the environment. 

Cost per student is $715 but we anticipate it will be lower after our Shrove Sunday Pancake Fundraiser. Scholarship funds are also available; contact Rev. Brittany for details!

Cal-Pac Fire Relief

Join us in prayer and relief efforts

We continue to pray for the congregations and communities recently impacted by fire. Cal-Pac is sharing updates and ways to support those in LA. You can find the most recent details online at: www.calpacumc.org/lafires2025/

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!

Downtown / Coronado / Ocean Beach / Point Loma

Wed. Mar. 19 | 11:30 AM | Joe's Crab Shack 525 E. Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92101 | RSVP Bruce Johnson

North Park / South Park / University Heights / Normal Heights / Kensington

Wed. Mar. 19 | 12 PM | Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant 6690 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego CA 92120 | RSVP Richard or Laurie Willis

Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch

Sun. Mar. 23 | 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.

North County

Sat. Mar. 29 | 12 PM | Filippi's Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92131 | RSVP Carol Blessing | New folks are always welcome! Please bring cash for lunch payment.

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

The Stories That Save Us: The Story of Advocates

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

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: 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: Mar. 20 | 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: Mar. 20 | 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

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

3/2/25, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 273

3/5/25, Ash Wednesday service

Number of attendees: 83

3/2/25, livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 286

Avg. watch-time: 24:52

3/5/25, Ash Wednesday livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 124

Avg. watch-time: 10:47

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3,324

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!