Watch your mailbox for your church reunion invitation!

Get all the details and RSVP online.

Prayers for Election Day

We invite you to use this hourly prayer guide from UMC.org

Both voting and prayer are essential to our civic engagement. Please join us in praying throughout the day tomorrow for safety, patience, peace, and reconciliation. This hourly prayer guide provides helpful prompts so you can focus on your prayers.

Last Day to Register! Prayers & Squares Workshop

Fri. & Sat. Nov. 8-9 | Linder Hall | Register in advance

Come join us for our fall workshop – this event is open to everyone, even if you haven't participated in Prayers & Squares or are a beginning quilter! In fact, the quilt pattern that we're teaching is perfect for beginners!

We'll spend two days together sewing, learning, being inspired, and having fun. We have a lovely new quilt pattern to learn to make, and a wonderful leader to guide as as we sew. Cost is $25 for both days, or $15 for one day, and includes lunch. We’ll also have door prizes during lunch. Register for Friday, Saturday, or both days!

Honoring Our Veterans

Send pictures by Wed. Nov. 6 to Nick Hubsmith

On Sunday, November 10, we will be paying special tribute to our veterans and first responders. If you know a veteran, and with their permission want to honor them, please provide their information and bring them to church.

You can help us honor the veterans and first responders in your family, past and present, by sending a picture of them, preferably in uniform, but any picture will do, along with the service branch, years of service, final rank, the primary location where they spent the years of service, and if not a church member, their relationship to you. From this information, we will add to last year’s poster boards. If you provided pictures and information last year we still have them.

Please email a copy of the picture and information by Wednesday, November 6 to: nhubsmith@fumcsd.org. If you need us to copy a picture from a photo album, bring it to church, we’ll do that for you.

Surviving the Holidays

Sun. Nov. 10 | 12:30 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

The holidays in anything but joyful for those who have lost a loved one. Often times, we're expected to "put on a happy face" because it's the holiday season, but what we really need is a community of people who understand how lonely and difficult this time can be. Rev. Brittany Hanlin and Sheilah Cameron, LMT welcome you to come as you are, and walk away with helpful suggestions on how to survive this holiday season. Please RSVP in advance so we can ensure we have enough space.

44th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Sun. Nov. 17| 4-6 PM | Congregation Beth Israel

Our annual traditional of joint worship and fellowship continues! Congregation Beth Israel is hosting this year’s service. Our very own Rev. Trudy Robinson will deliver the Thanksgiving message, and the choirs from both congregations will participate.

As a joint service project, we'll be collecting basic items that are found in first aid kits to take with us on Beth Israel and First United Methodist Church's Annual Dominican Republic Service-Learning Trip: gauze, band-aids, thermometers, leg/arm/wrist braces, and similar items. Additional medical and hygiene items that we can take are toothbrushes, toothpaste, old eyeglasses, and diapers. All items must NOT be expired and in original packaging.

United Women in Faith Bake Sale

Sun. Nov. 17 | 10 AM | Linder Lounge

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

Register Now: Church Reunion Sun. Nov. 24

Celebrating 60 years in Mission Valley | RSVP by Nov. 10

We'll start the day with a special 10 AM worship service, followed by a catered luncheon and program in Linder Hall. Visit the church reunion page on our website to get the event details, submit your favorite First Church memory, provide an update, and sign up for the special luncheon.

This is a free event but we kindly ask for RSVPs so we can be sure to save a space for you at the table. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

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.

Our Money Story 2025 Stewardship Campaign

Update as of Sun. Nov. 3 | Submit Pledge Online

Total pledges = 163 households

Total amount = $660,824

Average pledge/year = $4,054 ($338 per month)

We are grateful for all the pledges we’ve received and are already over 66% to our goal of $1,000,000 pledged! We are hoping for 250 households to pledge their financial support to our ministries together next year, as we write our money stories together with God’s money story in our lives. As we plan for our ministries together in 2025, we give thanks for all of your financial commitments to the work of First Church next year and beyond.

Missed Stewardship Celebration Sunday? You may submit your pledge online. Pledge cards are also available in the church office.

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 | In Person Sundays 12 PM | Online Tuesdays 6 PM

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

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 need a minimum of 12 participants for the class, so please be sure to register if you're interested!

Donations Needed: DR Service-Learning Trip

Collecting donations throughout November | Learn More

First Church San Diego and Congregation Beth Israel are once again partnering together for an interfaith service-learning trip with Bridges to Community. Our group is heading to Dominican Republic in February to help build a home for a family. Throughout November, we're collecting the following items: monetary donations, sports equipment, and new/gently used athletic clothing and shoes. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Showers of Blessings

2nd Saturday: Nov. 9 | 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.

Look for the Stephen Minister information table on Sundays to find how to become a Stephen Minister care giver! Registration for the January classes opens soon. Look for additional details in the coming weeks.

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 / Point Loma / Ocean Beach

Wed. Nov. 6 | 11:30 AM | Point Loma Seafoods 2805 Emerson Street, San Diego CA 92106 | RSVP Bruce Johnson

Water's Edge

Sat. Nov. 9 | 10 AM | Raglan Public House 1851 Bacon Street, San Diego CA 92107 

East County (El Cajon / La Mesa / Santee / Lakeside)

Sun. Nov. 10 | 12:15 PM | Bully's East 2401 Camino del Rio South (at Texas Street), San Diego CA 92108 | RSVP Richard or Laurie Willis at 619-370-9080

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

Wed. Nov. 13 | 11:30 AM | D. Z. Akin's 6930 Alvarado Road, San Diego CA 92120 | RSVP Richard or Laurie Willis at 619-370-9080

Serra Mesa / Mission Valley

Wed. Nov. 13 | 5:30 PM | Mimi's Cafe 5180 Mission Center Road, San Diego CA 92108 | RSVP Bill Horton

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. Nov. 5 | 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 November, we'll discuss chapters on "Salvation, Theology, Kingdom of God" (pgs. 18-59). Email Rev. Hannah for Zoom meeting link.

The River (LGBTQ group)

First Wednesday of the Month: Nov. 6| 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. 

Youth Friendsgiving (Middle School & High School)

Sat. Nov. 9 | 1-4 PM | Dream School | RSVP

Grab a friend and come ready for cooking, baking, and fellowship. Let's break bread together and celebrate our friendships!

Family Potluck & Game Night

Sat. Nov. 9 | 5-7 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

Join us for our next kids and youth family event! Grab your family, a shareable dish, and a game, and come ready for a night of fun and fellowship! So we have an accurate headcount, please RSVP in advance.

Parents Forum

Sun. Nov. 10 | 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

A Life Worth Living: Living in Community

Scripture: Mark 12:28-44

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

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. of the month: Nov. 21  | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 4

Or join us for our two day Fall Workshop - Nov. 8 & 9!

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: Nov. 21 | 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

Church office will be closed Mon. Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Annual Church Conference: Wed. Nov. 20 at 5:30 PM

Join us in person in Linder Hall or online through YouTube for our annual church meeting! The business meeting will include reports, election of officers of our administrative committees, and setting pastoral salaries. All church members are encouraged to attend and vote on the issues presented. For livestream link, meeting agenda, and documents, see events page online.

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

10/27/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 261

10/27/24, livestreamed services

Unique viewers: 281

Avg. watch-time: 25:25

First Church YouTube subscribers: 2,795

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.