Modern Saints Concert & Art Show
Sat. Nov. 2 | 4 PM | Linder Hall | Learn More
Join us for this free event, designed to help you honor the saints of the past as well as remembering the saints who have touched your life. We'll be joined by visiting artist Gracie Morbitzer. Take a closer look at Gracie's paintings and listen to a concert program dedicated to the saints performed by our choirs. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction to bring home one of Gracie's beautiful pieces.
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Modern Saints: Sunday Worship
Sat. Nov. 3 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Sanctuary & Tapestry
Gracie Morbitzer will join us during our Sunday worship for:
Youth Workshop: 9:30 - 10 AM | Gracie will be with Students First (our Middle School and High School group) during our Traditional Worship service as they explore the images of saints and the world of their own imagination.
Tapestry: 11 - 11:45 AM | Gracie’s art will be the focus of our Tapestry service as a source of inspiration and reflection.
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Modern Saints: Lunch & Conversation
Sun. Nov. 3 | 12 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP by Oct. 30
We invite you to join Gracie for a catered lunch and conversation about what she does, how and why, and you might even have an opportunity to use your imagination about the saints in your lives. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction to bring home one of Gracie's beautiful pieces.
Lunch is $15 per person. Please be sure to RSVP by Oct. 30 so we have an accurate headcount! If you need assistance with registration, please call the church office and we'll be happy to help.
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Director of Music Ministries and Principal Organist Update
The Search Committee is pleased to announce our new Director of Music Ministries and Principal Organist, Sarah Amos! We are excited to welcome Sarah to our staff on November 25. Read more about her below and keep her in your prayers as she transitions to join our First Church staff.
Sarah Amos is an organist, pianist, and vocal coach with over ten years of experience in liturgical music. Since moving to San Diego in 2019, she has served as Organist at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. An enthusiast for choral music, she also works as the collaborative pianist for La Jolla Symphony Chorus and studio faculty pianist for San Diego State University’s voice and choral program. Sarah has performed internationally throughout North America and Europe and has been a featured organist for the North Coast Symphony Orchestra, La Jolla Symphony Orchestra, and San Diego Early Music Society.
Born in Michigan, Sarah studied piano and organ at Western Michigan University and completed an MM in Collaborative Piano and MA in Musicology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her research interest is centered on hymnody and congregational singing, and she has presented her research for numerous academic societies including the Biennial Christian Congregational Music Conference and the Society of Christian Scholarship in Music.
When she is not on the organ bench, Sarah enjoys Pilates, watching scary movies, and leading her friends’ Dungeons & Dragons campaign. She currently lives in La Jolla with her husband, Doug, and their tiny terrier mix, Herbert Howells.
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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.
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Prayers & Squares Fall Workshop
Fri. & Sat. Nov. 8-9 | Linder Hall | Register by Nov. 4
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!
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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.
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You're Invited: 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!
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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.
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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.
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Our Money Story 2025 Stewardship Campaign
Update as of Thurs. Oct. 24 | Submit Pledge Online
Total pledges = 156 households
Total amount = $ 629,724
Average pledge/year = $4,036 ($336 per month)
We are grateful for all the pledges we’ve received and are already over 63% 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.
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Reflect, Learn, Discuss
Join us each week as we uncover new understandings of scripture, theology, and life. We hope you join us!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Migrant Lunches Update
A big shout out to those who have helped us make sack lunches each Sunday morning for the migrants leaving San Diego at the airport. Your financial generosity has allowed us to continue this project into November. Donations continue most weeks. Each lunch costs <$1 to make. Thank you! Wendy Young and Beryl Flom, Co-Chairs
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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!
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Get to know your church neighbors!
Water's Edge
Sat. Nov. 9| 10 AM | Raglan Public House 1851 Bacon Street, San Diego CA 92107
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).
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services. | |
Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy D. Robinson
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Traditional Worship
Sundays | 9 AM | Sanctuary
Everyday Saints: Ordinary People
Scripture: Romans 12:9-12
Altar Flowers: Given by by the staff in memory of all those we have lost this year and by Cheryl Brierton – May the Holy Ghost heal those mourning for dear ones, departed by death or in life.
Join us in person or watch our Livestream
For our online viewers: Consecrated elements for communion are available for pick up Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, or can be mailed upon request.
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Tapestry
Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel
The Saints Among Us: You and Me
Scripture: Romans 12:9-12
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.
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Altar Flowers
Donating altar flowers on Sunday is a way to recognize significant events in your family’s life. Bouquets are $65 each and anyone can donate one or two bouquets. If you are interested, please contact Demmie Divine in the church office about available dates.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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ACOLYTES | Grades 4-12
Sign up to assist in Sanctuary worship service! Contact Demmie Divine.
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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.
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Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep & Fellowship
No meeting on Nov. 2; we'll meet 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.
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CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES | |
Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM
Church office will be closed Mon. Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
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Memorial Garden Hours
Monday - Friday - 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday - 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8 AM - 4 PM
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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.
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Giving: How to Give
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Deposit your gift in the offering plate during worship.
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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.
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TEXT to Give. Just text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256 and see how easy it can be!
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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.
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Weekly Attendance
10/20/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 280
10/20/24, livestreamed services
Unique viewers: 201
Avg. watch-time: 24:10
First Church YouTube subscribers: 2,789
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.
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fumcsd.org
619-297-4366
2111 Camino del Rio South,
San Diego, CA 92108
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