School of Christian Studies
Being Human Takes Practice
Saturday, February 4 | 10:30 AM - 12 noon | Linder Hall | Opt. Lunch $12 | RSVP by Feb. 1
Speaker Rev. Dr. Carter will have us realize more deeply than ever what it means to be spiritually human with others by diving into the parable of the Good Samaritan told by Jesus. Following the presentation, you are invited to stay for optional lunch and conversation. If you need help registering, please call the church office: 619-297-4366 x100
|
|
Special Guests in Worship this Sunday!
Sunday, Feb. 5 | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel
Reception in Linder Lounge/Patio
Join us at the 11 AM worship service this Sunday to hear from our 2022-23 Racial Justice Grant recipients during the message. First Church awarded a total of $40,000 in grants to three local nonprofits this year: San Diego Black Nurses Association, The Black Services Program at the San Diego LGBT Center, and Reality Changers. Not only will we be able to hear more about their exciting work during the service, but we’ll also have a meet & greet reception afterward for us to learn more about potential volunteer opportunities and other ways to support the work for racial justice in our community through this year’s focus on health care equity and mental health services. Let us welcome them Sunday and show our appreciation for all they do in our community!
|
|
Sankofa Pilgrimage
June 5 - 15, 2023
Last Day to Register March 15
You are invited to join Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and Rev. Trudy D. Robinson on the Sankofa Pilgrimage. Sankofa is a West African Adinkra symbol and it speaks to what we hope to accomplish. To remember the humanity of all people.
The 10-day pilgrimage takes us South to explore historical sites moving us through history from before the Transatlantic Slave Trade, through Chattel Slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the new era of Jim Crow. The pilgrimage will help us examine the correlation between history and theology, how our history informs our current realities, and unpack our own implicit biases.
We hope you will seriously consider the importance of a trip like this for yourself, our church, and the world we are creating. This truly is a pilgrimage as we expect God to appear to us in heart transforming ways and reveal the way to better become God's beloved community.
Prior to embarking on Sankofa pilgrimage, we will prepare ourselves through a weekly study (4/12- 5/24). The study is a pre-requisite for the participants taking part on the pilgrimage and will be held in-person or via Zoom.
HELP FUND A SCHOLARSHIP
If you are interested in supporting those who may not be able to afford the cost, you can help fund a scholarship HERE
|
|
All children and youth ages 4 to 18 are invited to join a choir!
Prior musical experience is not required.
Come join the fun! This Spring, Children and Youth will share music during Lenten services, Palm Sunday, Mother's Day, and more. All children and youth music choirs and ensembles practice Sunday mornings. Schedule here
Email Dana Zimbric, Director of Children's Music, for more information, or stop by the Children's Choir Room (below the sanctuary) any Sunday between 9 and 11:30 AM to learn more.
|
|
Midday Pipes
We invite you to enjoy this beautiful organ music played by distinguished musicians on the 107-rank, 4 manual Blackinton & Associates pipe organ, the largest in San Diego County. This month we welcome Rodney Girvin, Director of Music & Organist, First Presbyterian Church of San Diego
|
|
Join us for Showers of Blessings!
Volunteers needed for the food ministry, Showers of Blessings and Breakfast.
This mission group serves our unhoused and food insecure neighbors at the Showers of Blessings and Breakfast event sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church adjacent to Balboa Park. Once per month, the FUMC volunteers prepare and serve a hot breakfast alongside St. Paul’s volunteers who provide hygiene supplies, clothes and social services. There are many ways to support this ministry including preparing a dish, serving food, resetting tables or donating hygiene supplies. We will meet at St. Paul’s Cathedral on the second Saturday of the month.
|
|
"New Entra Casa" Donation Drive
Sunday, Feb. 19 | Between services | Linder Patio
Since the 1970's New Entra Casa has been a vital and important ministry for women in crisis. United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) has been a prominent force in establishing and maintaining this program. Women receive treatment and support for both chemical dependency and mental health issues while building toward family reunification and independent living. It is a round-the-clock, six-bed facility committed to creating an individual plan for each woman. The program is critically in need of donations which are used for supplies of food, hygiene and art supplies. Gift cards can also be given and will be used to buy supplies. Here are some examples of items you can bring.
- Laundry detergent pods
- Bar soap
- Liquid dish detergent
- Art supplies (any size canvases, paints, beads, jewelry making, adult coloring books)
- Gift cards for Target, Michaels, gas cards, groceries
Thank you for helping to change women's lives
|
|
Sunday Fellowship Hour Servers
Sundays, through Dec. 31, 2023 | 9:45 - 11 AM
Would you like to gather with your group, promote your mission and reach out to the congregation while serving coffee and donuts during our Sunday fellowship hour? Please consider signing up for a Sunday or two next year. Any groups--mission and outreach, neighborhood, other affinity--can sign up to serve as fellowship attendants. You are welcome to use an easel or the screen to share your work during the fellowship hour as well. If you're interested, click the link to sign up.
|
|
MLK Jr. Day of Service - New Date!
Monday, Feb. 20 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Balboa Park | More
Since our original day of service got cancelled due to the rain, we got a NEW DATE! Join us 2/20 for a morning of hands-on interfaith community service. Families and all ages are welcome to participate together on this day of community-work, fellowship and fun.
|
|
The following Small Group is meeting in February
Del Cerro/San Carlos neighborhood group
February 13 | 5:30 PM | Casa De Pico Restaurant in Grossmont Center
|
|
LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
|
|
"Church as Network" All-church Book Study
Are you ready to take the next step to discover what God is doing in our world?
Thursdays Feb. 9 - March 2
Via Zoom: 3 - 4 PM | RSVP by 2/1
In person: 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP by 2/1
Two times and two different modes of meeting are being offered: via Zoom on Thursday afternoons: 3 - 4 PM and in person Thursday evenings: 5:30 - 6:30 PM. And if the interest warrants, other times might be added. The book is available online as hardcopy or Kindle. A few copies will also be available for purchase at church. We are looking forward to the conversation. Click buttons below to RSVP by February 1
|
|
New Zoom Book Study: "Church on the Wall"
Tuesdays, Feb. 21 - Mar. 14 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Via Zoom
Join this Zoom book study with the author Rev. Dr. Seth David Clark: Church at the Wall: Stories of Hope Along the San Diego-Tijuana Border. What does it mean to be a church with only one wall - a wall of separation instead of safety? Find out more with Rev. Dr. Seth David Clark of the Border Church as we dive into the hurt, the hope, and the heart of Church at the Wall.
|
|
Pastor's Bible Study: African American Readings of Paul
Wednesdays through Feb. 15 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Linder Hall & Zoom
Journey with us as we explore the Pauline epistles and their impact on African Americans. We will explore Paul's influence on culture as both apostle and writer as we dive more deeply into the implications and consequences of his writings in this country. This Bible Study invites us to examine our history and our faith together, as we strive to better become God's beloved community. May we all come to this study with a sense of curiosity as we open our hearts and minds to these new learnings!
|
|
Monday Night Christian Book Club
Mondays | 7-8 PM | Zoom
|
|
Prayers of the People
Join us as we pray for one another and shared prayer requests.
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM
In-person & Zoom
|
Koinonia
1st Friday of the month
8 AM
via Zoom
|
|
Heart of Christianity
Sundays | 11 AM | Zoom
New Book study:
|
|
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 5, 2023
WORSHIP INFO
|
|
Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
|
|
There is no heat in the Sanctuary due to a boiler leak in pipes under the floor. As a result the 11 AM service is being moved to Trotter Chapel until further notice. Our 9 AM service will remain in the Sanctuary, so please dress warm. Thank you for your patience.
TROTTER CHAPEL WORSHIP | 11 AM
God the Artist
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Students 1st Winter Retreat
Friday, Feb. 17 - Monday, Feb. 20 | $150/student (sibling groups and friends are $100 each)
Included in the cost: Room and board, food, travel cost and snow tubing. Join Rev. Trudy and Mr. Kenton at Students 1st 2023 Winter Retreat to Big Bear. We'll get away to the mountains and take a deep dive into understanding how to interpret, embrace and embody The Beatitudes from The Sermon on the Mount in a new way.
|
|
New Grief Support Group
Sundays, Feb. 26 - April 16 12:15 - 1: 15 PM | Sanctuary Meeting Room | RSVP by 2/24
Grief is something no one wants to experience, yet it is something that each and everyone of us must endure. Join Pastor Tamara Walker and Sheilah Cameron, LMFT as they walk alongside you and explore how grief is impacting your life. We were not meant to endure this experience alone. Suggested book to accompany meetings is: Understanding Your Grief by Dr. Alan Wolfelt.
|
|
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group
3rd Thursday of the month: Feb. 16 | 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.
|
|
Join the Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry!
Join us for fellowship as we prepare our quilts to go out into the world as Prayer Quilts. At our meetings we layer the quilts and put in the ties. No sewing skill or is required. We also meet together for snacks, business, and devotional. On the first Saturday and/or third Thursday of each month in Linder Hall 4 from 9 AM to noon and you don’t have to know how to sew to be helpful. Punctuality is not required. Come when you can.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services and funerals.
|
|
|
CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES |
|
Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM
|
|
Memorial Garden Hours
Monday - Friday - 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday - 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8 AM - 4 PM
|
|
The sanctuary is cold—what is going on?
In early January, we experienced a power outage that impacted several buildings on campus. The outage was caused by a leak in the boiler that resulted in water intrusion into the electrical panel. We shut off the boiler in order to allow the panels to dry. After approximately 24 hours, we were able to restore power.
Our boiler, which heats the Sanctuary, has reached its useful life cycle. We are exploring short term options to get us through the winter months. Long term, research is being done on a comprehensive heating and cooling solution that will be more efficient and cost effective.
Thank you for your patience as we work through the options with the Board of Trustees. On Sunday mornings, join us in fellowship at 10 AM in Linder Lounge. Warm up with coffee and a tasty donut of your choice.
|
|
Giving
How to give
- Deposit your gift in the offering plate during worship.
-
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.
-
TEXT to Give. Just text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256 and see how easy it can be!
-
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
1/22/23, Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley 9 and 11 AM, Ocean Beach 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 320
1/22/23, Sunday 9 AM live-streamed service
Real-time viewers: 345
Avg. watch-time: 23:44
First Church YouTube subscribers: 1637
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.
|
|
|
|
619-297-4366
2111 Camino del Rio South,
San Diego, CA 92108
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
