eNEWS - November 28, 2022 |
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Thanksgiving Offering
Help Support Meals On Wheels, San Diego
Our Thanksgiving offering is an opportunity for you to give back a portion of all God has shared with you this year. Your gift will not only support our vibrant ministries here at First Church, but also be shared in the community, as is our practice as a congregation. 25% of our Thanksgiving Offering this year will be shared with Meals On Wheels, San Diego, in memory of our dear friend John Hermann. Meals On Wheels provides seniors and veterans in San Diego with over 650,000 meals and friendly visits per year, and its work was a passion of John’s since its inception in 1960. We are grateful for all those saints who have led us in our families, our workplaces, and our church for so many years.
Please give generously as God has blessed you this holiday season. You can make your Thanksgiving Offering online by clicking the button below, or by putting a gift in the special Thanksgiving offering envelopes in the sanctuary this Sunday through the end of November.
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Music Series Presents
Advent Choral Concert
Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7 PM | Sanctuary | Offering | Childcare (call the church office 619-297-4366)
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 2 PM | Open Rehearsal | Sanctuary
Chancel Choir and Masterwork Chorale, Members and Friends of the San Diego Symphony. Directed by Brian Lustig. An eclectic musical program featuring Gerald Finzi’s In terra pax, Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare and Rosephanye Powell’s Christmas Give (excerpts). In this program you will hear two brilliant English composers from the early 20th century, as well as two contemporary American women. This will be the first time in the 50-year concert series history that one of the choral concerts will feature music composed by women. Come and experience the power of these great pieces of choral art with members of the San Diego Symphony in our beautiful sanctuary!
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Annual Church Conference
Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 5 - 7 PM | Via Zoom | RSVP
This is an annual meeting about the “state of the church”. 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.
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Midday Gathering
"Managing Your Portfolio in a Spiritual Way"
Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall
Speaker: John Micetich will be leading a discussion of stocks, bonds, real estate, and gift annuities.
LUNCH will be available at 11:45 AM if you would like to join us for Jersey Mike’s sandwiches at the church in Linder 4. RSVP required for lunch by Monday, December 5. The cost is $10 per person.
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Volunteers needed during the Holidays
With the holidays upon us, we will be busily preparing for Christmas at the church and we need many volunteers. Here are the upcoming volunteer opportunities: Decorate the Sanctuary - Pew pockets preparers - Bulletin stuffers - Candlelight prep helpers - Poinsettia display decorators. If you would like to help, please call 619-297-4366 ext. *138 or email Demmie.
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Angels Wanted for Christmas Eve Services
Sixth-grade through college-age young men and women needed for all services, veteran angels welcomed for; Pageant at 5 PM, Lessons and Carols at 7 and 9 PM. If you would like to help, please call 619-297-4366 ext. *138 or email Demmie.
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Share Your Nativity with the Congregation!
If you have some nativity scenes, we invite you to share your collection with our congregation. During the 4th week of Advent we will have a safe display of nativity scenes inside the windows of Linder Lounge. To take part please click on the link below to find out more. We ask that you bring your Creche set to the church office weekdays, during office hours (8:30 AM - 4 PM) through Thursday Dec. 8, or to Linder Patio following the service on Sunday, Dec. 11. Before bringing in your Creche set, be sure to follow the steps in the link below.
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Christmas Poinsettias Donation
Poinsettias will decorate the Sanctuaries in Mission Valley and Water's Edge in Ocean Beach from December 18 through the holidays. Donation is $15/plant. Please submit your order by December 17. Printed donation forms will be available at church for those who prefer paying with a check or cash. Those honored or memorialized will be listed in a future eNews and on the website.
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Do you want the Holidays to have more rest and less busy, more intention and less obligation? We're here to help with Sunday services and opportunities throughout the season to meet new friends, rest with music, explore new activities that will help you restore the good this Christmas. |
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Annual Alternative Christmas Gift Fair
Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11 | 10 - 11 AM | Linder Hall
Our fair gives you a better alternative to Christmas shopping. We invite you to "purchase" symbolic gifts which will fund the work of our Ministries' of Compassion and Justice. We will give you a holiday card to give your loved one, and the price of what you would have spent on more stuff will enable amazing things to happen for others. Our online store is open now through Christmas if you prefer to shop online.
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Virtual Angel Tree
Now through December 11
Put a smile on the face of a child of an incarcerated parent by participating in Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program. Choose a child on the web page, and your donation of $25 will purchase a gift card to be sent directly to the child.
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Polar Express Family Event
Saturday, Dec. 3 | 5 - 8 PM | Linder Lounge & Patio | Free
The youth ministry is inviting all families with youth or those young at heart to our POLAR EXPRESS NIGHT! We will had a great time watching this well known Christmas movie, creating holiday crafts, and gingerbread houses. There will be snacks and bags of treats for ALL who would like one, so come join us as we journey together to the north pole.
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Saturday, Dec. 10 | 12 - 2 PM | Linder Hall | $20 adults/$5 children 12 and under
The United Women in Faith cordially invite everyone to our very special annual Family Christmas Tea! You will be treated to a catered lunch The Shakespeare Tea Room and music entertainment by the In-aChord Men's Ensemble and First Church Children's Choir. We will sing carols and play games and make gingerbread-houses with the kids. All are welcome!
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Holiday Pipes
A seasonal organ concert presented by Jaebon Hwang, Director of Music Ministries and Organist
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Blue Christmas Service
Sunday, Dec. 18 | 4 – 5 PM | Trotter Chapel | Childcare
We understand that when you’re in the middle of grieving your loved ones, the cheerful Christmas season may feel extremely difficult and painful. Join Pastor Tamara Walker and Psychotherapist, Sheilah Cameron, LMFT as they welcome you to honor both the Christmas season and your loved one during this peaceful Blue Christmas service. You’ll be in the company of those who understand the uniqueness of missing a loved one during this time of year. Free Childcare (call the church office 619-297-4366 ext. 100)
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Midday Gathering Christmas Luncheon
Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 12:15 PM | RSVP by 12/19
Join us for lunch at Panini Kebob Grill, Mission Valley. Bring your most festive self and the cost to cover your food.
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The Journey of Christmas
December 19-24 | Daily 8:30 – 4:30 PM | MV Campus | More
The fourth week in Advent we remember the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem and we invite you to take a pilgrimage on the Mission Valley campus. A self-guided, mapped, route takes you to 12 places to pause for reflection.
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"Recalling Comfort & Joy" Advent Devotional
Nov. 27 - Dec. 24
You can now subscribe to the 2022 Advent Devotional: Recalling Comfort & Joy, written by members of our congregations in Mission Valley and OB. This Advent we recall memories of special Christmas music. Through the lyrics and video links we want to share with you the comfort and joy it brought us. If you would like to receive the devotional in your inbox every morning during Advent, click the link below to subscribe.
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The Good Samaritan Store Need Your Help
Recently "the River Ministry" has taken on the responsibility for The Samaritan Store (formerly "Samaritan Closet") as their new outreach to the community. "The River" is a group of individuals at First Church who feel committed to help our neighbors who are less fortunate and to offer a safe, welcoming place where folks can come and find food, clothing, hygiene products, blankets, and many other items with no questions asked, and no cost to them.
Winter is coming and your donations are appreciated
To help keep The Samaritan Store stocked, the following items (that can be gently used or new) are especially high on the wishlist below:
Sleeping bags - Fleece blankets - *Winter beanies - *Winter gloves - *Sweatshirts - *Hoodies - *Warms socks (*clothing sizes are needed for men, women & children).
You may bring your donations to the Samaritan Store table on Linder Patio on Sunday, Dec. 4, before and after services, or drop your donations off at the church office during the week: 8:30 AM - 4 PM.
Thank you so much for your support!
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LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
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New Pastor's Advent Study:
Seeing the Birth of Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes
Wednesdays, Nov. 30 - Dec. | 10:30 -11:30 AM in person in Linder Hall or via zoom. RSVP to receive the correct zoom link.
The Advent Bible Study, led by Rev. Trudy Robinson, looks the story of Jesus’ birth, his genealogy, Joseph, the wise men, the vision of Isaiah and Herod’s atrocities through Middle Eastern Eyes.
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Koinonia
1st Friday of the month
8 AM
via Zoom
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Prayers of the People
Join us as we pray for one another and shared prayer requests.
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM
In-person & Zoom
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Heart of Christianity
Sundays, 11 AM
via Zoom
Book study:
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SUNDAY - DECEMBER 4
WORSHIP INFO
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Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
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Mask-wearing during indoor church activities protects you and others.
Reconsidering the Tradition
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.
Childcare for infants to pre-school, Kids/Students First Activities.
Join us in person or watch the 10:15 Live-stream from OB
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Sunday Coffee and Donuts
Sundays | 10 - 11 AM | Linder Lounge
Corner Bakery Coffee $2/Donuts Free.
Cash or credit card.
Donut donations needed
Show your spirit of hospitality by signing up to pay for donuts on the easel in Linder Lounge on Sundays, or email Demmie or Linda. You may also donate to a fund to purchase donuts, link below, or send a check to the church with “Sunday donuts” in the memo.
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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
Kids First will remain after the Children’s Time at the 9 AM service until 10 AM. Students First will meet from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. We encourage children to sign up to be acolytes and students to volunteer to serve as liturgists for either worship services. No Sunday School on any 5th Sunday of the month, when children and youth are encouraged to worship in the sanctuary with their families. Email Dir. of Discipleship for Children & Youth, Kenton Reaves Hundley, for more info.
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Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group
3rd Thursday of the month: Dec. 15 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Free | RSVP
Providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. Caregivers can often feel isolated, drained and hopeless. If you are a caregiver, we want to offer you a place to feel heard, connected and empowered with those who understand this unique struggle. Join the Alzheimer's Association for a Caregiver's Support Group every 3rd Thursday of the month. You are not alone. Click Image to download flyer to share with anyone interested in this support group.
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Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry
When is a prayer quilt appropriate?
Anyone in special need of prayer is an appropriate recipient of a prayer quilt. We pray for one another in times of illness, injury, or sorrow. We also pray for them at times of great change or transition in their lives. Anyone can request a quilt for another person. We refer to the requester as the quilt’s sponsor. To sponsor a prayer quilt for someone in need of prayer, be sure to ask for their agreement to be a recipient. Ask them what prayers they need. Learn more about the Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry here and please fill out the online request form.
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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. Information: email Pastor Tamara.
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Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services and funerals.
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CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES |
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM
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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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Job Opening:
Part-Time Sunday Van Driver
First Church is currently seeking a driver to provide transportation for members to and from their residential facilities using the church van.
Sundays 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
$16/hour
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Hope Sparks! 2023 Stewardship Campaign Update as of Thursday 11/17 -need new numbers
Total pledges = 77 households
Total amount = $ 229,488
Average pledge/year = $2,980 ($248 per month)
We are grateful for all the pledges we received, even before our Stewardship Celebration Sunday yesterday! Our early adopters have put us well on the way to our goal of $1.25M pledged for next year.
As we plan for our ministries together in 2023, 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 here... Pledge cards are also available in the church office.
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Giving
How to give
- 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
11/13, Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley 9 AM, Ocean Beach 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 307
11/13, Sunday 9 AM live-streamed service
Real-time viewers: ---
Avg. watch-time: ---
First Church YouTube subscribers: ---
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 live-stream.
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619-297-4366
2111 Camino del Rio South,
San Diego, CA 92108
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