Spring Choral Concert: Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle

Sat. May 9 | 4 PM | Sanctuary & Online | Free Childcare

Join us for the last event in the 2025/26 Cultural Events Music Series! The concert will be performed by FUMCSD's Masterwork Chorale, Chancel Choir, and Soloists, under the direction of Brian Woods-Lustig, conductor.

Honor Your Grads: Celebration & Reception May 17

Email grad details by May 12 to be included in Graduation Sunday.

Is your family member graduating from High School or College? Email these details to communications@fumcsd.org: Photo, student's full name, where they're graduating from, and what they'll be doing next. We'll share during 9AM Traditional Worship followed by cake and reception in Linder Lounge.

The Landscape of The White Church & The American Nation:

A Conversation in Many Parts

Uncomfortable with the idea of politics in the church? The reality is, they’re already intertwined—and they always have been. Join us for a series of learning opportunities exploring how Christianity and American exceptionalism have shaped a distinct White Christian expression that continues to influence spiritual life, civic engagement, and definitions of community across the United States.

Potluck & Panel Presentation | Sun. May 17 | 12 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP

We start with a potluck lunch and panel presentation on Sun. May 17; we'll be joined by three experts: Rev. John Fanestil, Dr. Karl Martin, Ph.D., and Jesús Ayala-Candia.

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

Dr. Karl will lead several in-person classes on Sunday mornings for those seeking deeper exploration around this topic. Register on Realm for details and updates.

An additional series of recorded conversations with Dr. Karl and Revs. Trudy, Hannah, and Brittany will also be available for independent study and conversations within your own small groups. Watch for more information!

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.

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

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss the themes of Perspectives and 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

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. May 9, 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.

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

Elysian Shores Supportive Housing

Learn how you can support this ministry: elysianshores.com

First Church member Noble Woods III is helping lead Elysian Shores Supportive Housing, and he's invited our community to join the effort! Elysian Shores supports veterans and individuals transitioning out of homelessness, pairing stable housing with wraparound services that help residents rebuild toward independence. It's the kind of whole-person care our congregation knows matters. Questions? Contact Noble at noble@elysianshores.com.

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. Enroll: Select the organization and click "Enroll". 

The River Gathering & Potluck Celebration

Wed. May 6 | 6 PM | Linder 1 | Email Rev. Hannah for details

Join our LGBTQIA+ community and friends as we celebrate finishing Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology!

This month, we’ll gather in person for a potluck—bring your favorite dish to share—as we reconnect, welcome newcomers, and begin imagining what’s next, including future studies and Pride Month engagement. We’d love to see our LGBTQIA+ community and friends there!

Parents Forum

2nd Sun. May 10, 10:10 - 10:30 AM | Linder Patio

Gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

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:

Unit Meeting: Sat. May 9 at 12 PM in The Cove | We'll share a potluck meal and hear from Freedom Macis, Manager of Cal-Pac UMC Camp Cedar Glen

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

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

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

Want to revisit a sermon? See our online Sermon Archive. 

Donate Altar Flowers

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

Contact the Church Office for available dates  

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

Kids leave with Sunday School teachers immediately after "A Time With Children" and head over to The Cove (located in the UM Building). They'll be joined by Kenton Reaves Hundley, Executive Director of Dream School of the Arts for STEAM-focused lesson and activities. 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)

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.

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 Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9 AM - 4 PM

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!

• Room Request: https://www.fumcsd.org/room-request
• Communications Request: https://www.fumcsd.org/publicity-request

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.