Share Your Holiday Blessings

This year, we're combining our Christmas and Thanksgiving Offerings into one big special offering throughout the end of the year. Your special gifts will not only bless our church ministries, but will also help to clothe those in need this winter.

25% of our Thanksgiving and Christmas Offering will be shared with Sharia’s Closet, a local nonprofit that provides emergency clothing and hygiene kits to people in need throughout the county. As we give thanks for God’s abundance in our lives, let us give generously to share those blessings with our neighbors. Your offering can be made online or at church.

Pastor's Book Study for Advent

Wed. Dec. 4, 11, 18 | 11:30 AM | Linder 2 | RSVP

Join Rev. Trudy for a special book study. We’ll be reading and discussing Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom for a Modern World by John O’Donohue, John Quinn, and Krista Tippet. 

We have over 12 participants for the class! Join us, but be sure to register!

Christmas Gathering: Carols, Cookies, and Crafts

Sun. Dec. 8 | 12:15 - 2 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP

Join us at our next All Church gathering, hosted by the United Women of Faith! It will be a Christmas celebration filled with special music, sing-alongs, ornament crafts, a catered lunch, and special Christmas cookies provided by UWF. 

Adults are $15 each, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online or on the patio on Sundays.

Mark Your Calendar: Advent Choral Concert

Sat. Dec. 14 | 4 - 6 PM | Sanctuary & Online | Learn More

The next event in the Cultural Events Music Series is coming up on December 14. Come enjoy a collection of Christmas carol favorites performed by our Chancel Choir and the Masterwork Chorale! Featured pieces include Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies, Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and a medley of songs by Mack Wilberg.

Christmas Poinsettias Donation

Donate online or in church office by Dec. 18

Honor a loved one while also helping to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas! Donation is $15/plant. Please submit your order by December 18. Printed donation forms are available at church for those who prefer paying with a check or cash.

Congratulations to Carly Cummings!

Our Soprano Section Leader is one of two San Diego district winners for The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition! Globally, there are 1,500 applications for this competition, which has two additional phases after the district competitions are complete.

Please join us in giving Carly a virtual round of applause!

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.

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.

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

Extra Volunteers Needed During the Holidays

Angels, bulletin stuffers, decorators, labelers, and more!

With the holidays upon us, we're in need of volunteers to help prepare for Christmas Eve. Opportunities include: Bulletin stuffers, candlelight prep helpers, and poinsettia display decorators.



Angels Wanted for Christmas Eve Services

Sixth-graders through college age (and beyond!) are needed for all Christmas Eve services. Experienced angels welcomed for Lessons and Carols at 7 and 9 PM.

If you would like to help with in any of these areas, please call 619-297-4366 x138 or email Demmie in the church office. Thank you!

Caring Hearts Christmas Bags

Collecting Candy Donations & Seeking Volunteers

Help prepare Christmas bags to be delivered to our homebound congregation members or donate individually wrapped large candy canes and/or Christmas candies for us to include in the bags. We'll be assembling bags Mon. Dec. 9 from 12 - 2 PM in Linder Lounge. Please bring an appetizer to share. No RSVP is required. We're also seeking volunteers to deliver the bags. If you would like to volunteer to deliver a few bags, please contact B Mayner in the front office or Demmie Divine at 619-297-4366. 

Angel Tree: Sponsor Christmas Gifts

$30 delivers gifts to a child whose parent is in prison | Donate

First Church is continues to support the Prison Fellowship and the Angel Tree Christmas program. By participating in Angel Tree, you remind these children they are loved and not forgotten by their parents in prison with this gift from them. Our goal is to sponsor 50 children. Let's put a smile on every child's face! Donate online.

Showers of Blessings

2nd Saturday: Dec. 14 | St. Paul's Cathedral Courtyard | 2728 Sixth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 

You're invited to prepare a dish and serve OR drop off donations for brown bag lunch pack. Sign up as a group to take a month! For more information, contact Katherine Stone.

Donations can be dropped off at coffee bar on Sundays or during regular office hours (9 AM - 4 PM): Oatmeal, pancake syrup, brown sugar, raisins, protein bars, juice (apple, grape, cranberry), hot sauce, brown lunch sacks, individual apple sauce. 

Dream School of the Arts

Seeking volunteers and support for some building improvements!

Now that we’re well into the school year, Dream School is looking for some additional support! Please contact the Dream School staff if you’d like to be a reading program volunteer for one hour weekly or if you’d like to provide financial support for some small (but important!) building improvements. You can contact Kenton and Cindy at hello@dsoasd.org for more details.

Become a Stephen Minister Care Giver

New classes begin in January! Submit Application

Look for the Stephen Minister information table on Sundays to find how to become a Stephen Minister care giver!

Samaritan Store

Seeking warm gear and clothing for the cold nights.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our unhoused brothers and sisters. With the cold nights upon us, here's what is needed for distribution: Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Beanies, Gloves, Towels, Socks, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants, Men's Jeans, Men's Long-Sleeve Tees, and Men's Sneakers. Food donations are always greatly welcome but we are currently fully stocked on applesauce!

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!

Water's Edge

Sat. Dec. 14 | 10 AM | Raglan Public House 1851 Bacon Street, San Diego CA 92107 

Hillcrest / Mission Hills

Mon. Dec. 16 | 11:30 AM | Ortega's Mexican Bistro 141 University Avenue #4, San Diego CA 92103 | RSVP Nick Hubsmith

Senior Singles 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 Karen, 619-263-3743 (no texts).

Young Adult Book Study

Tues. Dec. 3 | 5 PM | Zoom | Email Rev. Hannah or RSVP Online

We meet online on the 1st Tuesday of the month to discuss the book Adventures in Missing the Point by Brian D. McLaren and Tony Compolo.

In December, we'll discuss chapters on "End Times, The Bible". Email Rev. Hannah for Zoom meeting link. 

The River (LGBTQ group)

First Wednesday of the Month: Dec. 4| 5:30 PM | Online | RSVP 

Join us for a book study on the book Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World. This book study is exclusively for our immediate LGBTQI friends only. Allies will have an opportunity to join us for future events and studies. Register online. 

A Walk Through the Park: Balboa Park

Thurs. Dec. 5 | 10 AM | Meet at fountain in front of Natural History Bldg.

Join us for fellowship, exercise, flowers, and Christmas decorations! Our walk will take us over the bridge to the Inez Grant Parker rose garden, the Spanish Village, back to the Prado, and into the newly reopened, refurbished Balboa Botanical Garden building. We'll then travel past the flying Santa and reindeer to the Christmas display that is set up near the organ pavilion. If time allows, we'll visit the cactus garden dedicated to Kate Sessions, located behind the Balboa Park Club.

After such a walk we will all be hungry and ready to have a seat at the Panama66 located in the sculpture garden of the Museum of Art . The restaurant serves sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as other choices. Each person can place and pay for their own order as we enter the restaurant. Seating is outside.

Parents Forum

Sun. Dec. 8 | 10:10 - 10:30 AM | The Cove (UMC building)

On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel

How to Share the Good News: With Children

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

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.

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

No quilt prep in December. We'll resume 1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. in January!

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. 

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Church office will be closed Thurs. Nov. 28 and Fri. Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving

Church Council Meeting

Sat. Dec. 14 | 8:30 - 10:30 AM | Linder 2 & Zoom

The meeting is open to all and a great opportunity to hear reports from our committee chairs and pastors along with updates on initiatives happening at First Church. If you are not a member of Church Council and would like to participate, please email Demmie Divine to receive the agenda and link to the meeting.  

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

11/17/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 261

11/17/24, livestreamed services

Unique viewers: 235

Avg. watch-time: 23:58

First Church YouTube subscribers: 2,849

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.