eNEWS - May 18, 2026

Memorial Garden Flowers

Bring flowers and plants to honor your loved ones.

As Memorial Day approaches we encourage those who want to honor their loved ones that have a niche or memorial plaque in the Memorial Garden to bring flowers and potted plants. If you want to leave potted plants, the Memorial Garden team will gladly plant them. It is helpful if you identify who the plant is in honor of so we can place the plant closest to your loved one. We do have some vases that we will make available. If you want the potted plant back, please pick it up by June 1 from the southwest corner of the MG. If you have questions, please contact Nick Hubsmith.

Pride 2026: Help Us Celebrate!

SD Pride Parade: Sat. July 18 | Save the Date & Donate

We will once again participate in the San Diego Pride Parade as a witness to God’s expansive love and welcome for all people. We hope you join us! More participation details will be shared as we get closer.


We are collecting financial donations to help cover the cost of parade entry fees, decorations, and giveaway items. Donations can be made online, during the weekly offering, or in the church office. If giving in person, please note “Pride Parade” in the memo line.


Santee Pride Festival: Sat. May 30 | Pride Walk 9 AM & Festival 10 AM - 4 PM | santeeumc.org/pride | As the only queer affirming church in Santee, our siblings at Santee UMC host the annual Santee Pride Festival. Let's encourage and support them in creating a safe, joy-filled Pride celebration!

The Landscape of The White Church & The American Nation

Thank you to all who joined us for our in-person panel discussion! Here are some additional learning opportunities:


Classroom Learning: Suns. May 31-June 21 | 10:30-11:30 AM | Linder 1 | RSVP

Join Dr. Karl Martin on Sunday mornings for deeper exploration of how Christianity and American exceptionalism have shaped a distinct White Christian expression across the United States. Register on Realm for details and updates.


YouTube Course / Podcast Special: Dr. Karl recently joined the reverends in the Video Studio for in-depth conversations around this topic | Watch Now

Have a story or question about this topic?

We’d love to hear from you. You can submit it anonymously through our website.

Sankofa Pilgrimage 2026: Southern California — Registration Open!

Pre-Study: Weds. 6/17-7/1, RSVP | Pilgrimage: Wed. 7/8 - Sat. 7/11, Register

How has Southern California been affected by implicit and explicit racism? Join us as we travel through San Diego and Los Angeles Counties to expand our understanding. We start with 3 learning sessions (in-person and Zoom) before embarking on two day trips across San Diego County followed by two days in Los Angeles.


Our class learning experience is free for everyone; the Pilgrimage is $450 per person and is open for individuals ages 14 and older. Those who want to travel must register by June 10. Registration for the pre-study closes on June 16.


New to Sankofa? Learn more about our experiential racial justice learning program.

Racial Justice Grants Applications

Applications now open | Apply by July 31 | More Info

This year, we'll award a total of $24,000 in grants with a special focus on nonprofit organizations providing physical and mental health service and resources to communities of color, especially those serving vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, addiction & recovery, and families with children. Please share with any local nonprofit that is working toward a more just and equitable San Diego, especially for our neighbors and communities of color.

Stay Connected: Realm Connect App

Stay connected with FUMCSD where you go | iPhone | Android | Online

Wanting to stay connected with the church? Download the free Realm Connect app for iPhone and Android devices – or save the Realm website to your web browser. Use it to communicate with groups and volunteer teams, RSVP to events, manage giving, access our digital directory, update your information, and more. It makes it easier for us to connect throughout the week and know what's happening. Need assistance? Contact our church office.


Digital Directory Profile — you can update it to include:

  • Contact Information (e.g. name, address, email, phone)
  • Photo
  • Family Members
  • Personal Information (e.g. marital status, birthday, etc.)
  • Connected Social Media accounts


Learn about privacy options: Realm Privacy Video

GROW

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss themes of Perspectives

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

Heart of Christianity

Member-led book study

Sun, 11 AM | Zoom

Register


SERVE

Global Missions: Gather & Pack Supplies for Migrant Shelters

Donate Food & Supplies: Sun. May 24, 10-11 AM, Linder 3

If you'd like to contribute to food and clothing packages for women and children, please bring: rice, beans, small jars of peanut butter, pasta, tomato sauce, canned chick peas, tunafish, canned chicken, ground coffee, and clothing for women and children.


Pack Supplies: Fri. May 29 1:30 PM, Park Hill UMC, RSVP Beryl Flom

We're seeking 6 volunteers to help pack supplies for migrant shelters in Tijuana. Park Hill UMC is located at 545 E. Naples St., Chula Vista. Please email Beryl Flom in advance so we have accurate volunteer count.

Samaritan Store Donations

Help Restock Our Pantry | Bring Donations to Church Office

Current needs include: bath towels, fruit cups, canned fruit, applesauce, Chef Boyardee (any flavor), Spaghetti O's (any flavor), Capri Sun drink packets (any flavor), mini chocolate anything, individual bags of chips, cookies, and crackers. If donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops. 

Calling All High School & College Students: Summer Opportunities

Explore media, design, and marketing with FUMCSD or Dream School!

We have two opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience in social media, graphic design, and content creation. Build your portfolio, learn from mentors, and grow your skills in a flexible, beginner-friendly role. Interested? Get the details and next steps when you click "More Info" below.


Dream School of the Arts Creative Media Intern: More Info


FUMCSD Digital Media & Communications Volunteer: More Info

Ralph Rewards: Support Showers of Blessings Ministry

Link your Ralph Rewards Card to First United Methodist Church of San Diego

Link your Ralphs Rewards Card to First United Church of San Diego to help support our Showers of Blessings Mission to help fund feeding the homeless at St Paul’s Episcopal Church on the second Saturday of each month! Here's how:

  1. Sign In/Create Account: Sign in to your digital account or create one at Ralphs.com
  2. Go to Community Contributions: Select "Community Contributions" in your account profile.
  3. Search for the Church: In Find an Organization, search for First United Methodist Church of SD.
  4. EnrollSelect the organization and click "Enroll". 

CONNECT

Meet Your Church Neighbors


Coronado / Downtown / Point Loma /Ocean Beach: Wed. May 20 | 11:30 AM | Dockside 1630 N Harbor Drive, San Diego | RSVP Bruce Johnson


Sera Mesa / Mission Valley: Wed. May 20 | 5:30 PM | Potluck at Ruth Burgess home | RSVP to Bill or Barbara Horton


Hillcrest / Mission Hills: Sat. May 23 | 11:30 AM | Jo’s Mission Hills Diner

807 W. Washington Street, San Diego | RSVP Marilyn Wegner


North County Neighborhood Group: Sat. May 23 | 12 PM | Filippi's Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego | RSVP Carol Blessing 


Younger Adults 4th Sunday Brunch: Sun. May 24 | 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. May 27 | 11:30 AM | Troy’s Greek Restaurant 10450 Friars Road Suite T, San Diego, CA | RSVP Richard Willis

 

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. Questions? Contact Julie Baldwin at 619-449-4634. 

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:


Annual Rummage Sale: Fri. Aug. 14 & Sat. Aug. 15 in Linder Hall | 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

May 24 Service Scripture, Sermon & Preacher:

Acts 2:1-21

Message by Rev. Dr. Brittany Juliette Hanlin

Suddenly, A Sound From Heaven…

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

Children and Youth: Summer 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: We're on Summer Break

We invite kids in grades K-12 to worship in the Sanctuary with their families during the summer. Watch for details for our special one-day VBS on Aug. 9! Kid and youth fall choir begins Aug. 16.

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. | May 21 | 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. | May 21 | 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

Office will be closed Mon. May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Memorial Garden will remain open.

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

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, 5/10/26

In-person (9 & 11 AM) attendees: 308

Livestream (9 AM) viewers: 237

Livestream avg. watch-time: 28:14

YouTube Subscribers: 4,030

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

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