Join Us In Welcoming Robert Metler, Administrative Coordinator

We are excited to announce that Robert Metler has joined the staff! Robert comes to us with 20+ years of experience as an office operations manager, most recently with the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center. He will be overseeing a variety of administrative support functions, including worship planning, updates to our Realm membership database, new member and visitor hospitality, and preparing for various meetings throughout the year. Please join us in welcoming Robert—stop by and say hello when you are on campus!

Share Your Favorite Christmas Songs, Carols & Hymns

Email them to Rev. Trudy to help us prepare for Advent & Christmas!

Christmas will be here before we know it – and we need your help! During the four Sundays preceding Christmas known as Advent, we'll be looking at some of the biblical canticles reflecting on God’s promises. We’re calling the series “Lesser-Known Songs of Christmas.” But we won’t forgo the tried-and-true favorites song. In fact, we’d love to hear what you like. Rev. Trudy invites you to email her your favorite songs, carols or hymns. If they too are lesser-known, include as much information (or a YouTube link) to help her out!

Interactive Wisdom Kick Off & Watch Party

Sun. Nov. 23 | 12 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

Have you heard? San Diego School of Christian Studies has a new name! Join us for our kick off: watch our podcast, learn about the new name, and engage in lively conversation with others.

Coffee & Clergy

Sun. Nov. 23 | 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!

United Women in Faith Bake Sale

Sun. Nov. 23 | 10 AM | Linder Lounge

Just in time for Thanksgiving! Load up on baked goods and help the FUMCSD UWF as they support a variety of ministries, programs, and communities. 

Enjoy SD Botantical Garden with FUMCSD Friends

Wed. Dec. 3 | 5:30 - 9 PM | $30/person | RSVP: Janice Roudebush

Tour the SD Botantical Garden at night! Lightscape is a cherished holiday tradition, transforming the Encinitas gardens with lights and sound. We'll meet at the church at 5:30 and plan to return at 9 PM. Light food and drinks will be available for purchase at the gardens. Contact Janice to purchase a ticket – by email or on the patio between services on Sundays Nov. 23 or 30. The $30 fee includes ticket, transportation, and parking. Please note: The display is about a mile of trails including dirt paths, some of which are uneven surfaces.

Mark Your Calendar: Christmas Holiday Fest

Sun. Dec. 7 | 12-2 PM | Linder Hall | Buy Tickets Online or 11/16, 11/23, 11/30

United Women in Faith invite you to join us for an afternoon of laughter and merry making! This family-friendly event includes lunch, BINGO, Christmas Carols, opportunity baskets, and more.

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

Caring Hearts Christmas Bags Donations

Seeking full-sized candy canes and individually wrapped candies!

Help deliver Christmas cheer to our home-bound and out-of-town church family by donating full-sized candy canes and indivually wrapped candies. Bring donations to church office by Sunday November 30.

Holiday Toy Drive for LGBTQ+ Families

Collecting new, unwrapped toys to create a "toy pantry" for families.

We’re partnering with a group of local therapists who are hosting a Holiday Toy Drive for LGBTQ+ families—bringing joy directly to children and parents in our community. You can provide support by spreading the word to families who might benefit and by donating toys. Toys can be donated at the church office or at Diversionary Theatre (4545 Park Blvd #101, San Diego, CA 92116). 

Samaritan Store Donations

Help Restock Our Pantry | Bring Donations to Church Office

Food that's needed: Spaghetti O's, Chef Boyardee, tuna (can or packets), pudding cups, fruit cups, granola bars. If donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops. We're also seeking cold-weather supplies: blankets, tents, sleeping bags, men's socks, men's underwear (M, L, XL).

The River Book Study

Wed. Dec. 3 | 6 PM | Zoom | Email Rev. Hannah for link

Join our monthly LGBTQIA friends for monthly fellowship as we study the book: Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology.

Young Adult Book Study

Wed. Dec. 3 | 7:30 PM | Zoom | RSVP Online

Join us as we explore the book: Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans with Jeff Chu. We'll review various chapters throughout the year. We welcome newcomers at anytime! In December, we'll discuss chapters 5 & 6.

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

Christmas pageant rehearsal! Kids and teens leave immediately after "A Time With Children" to work with Ms. Dana and Ms. Jill to prepare for our annual pageant. Everyone is invited to join us – even if they won't be at the Dec. 24 service, there will be plenty to do! 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. of the month: Nov. 20  | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 2

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. | Nov. 20 | 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.

Stewardship Campaign: Our Money Story

Read the FUMCSD Money Story | Pledge at church or submit pledge online.

Update as of Sun. Nov. 16: 164 pledges totaling $629,527 (an average of $3,838) – over 62% to our goal of $1,000,000 pledged! We are grateful for all the pledges we’ve received. We are hoping for 250 households to pledge their financial support to our ministries together next year.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

We will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thurs. Nov. 27 & Fri. Nov. 28.

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.