San Diego School of Christian Studies (SDSCS) Returns
Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 Curriculum: Who Is My Neighbor?
This curriculum provides opportunity for renewed and deeper understanding that we are connected to all people. Through expression of our diversity we can become united and “love one another.”
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Join us for the first lecture in the series:
Who is my Neighbor: A Global Perspective
Who is inside the sacred circle, and who is out? And who gets to decide? How do various religions, philosophies, and wisdom traditions frame these vital questions? Join us as we explore this ancient and timely challenge.
Speaker: Professor Peter Bolland
Saturday, September 24, 2022
10:30 AM - 12 noon | Linder Hall | RSVP by 9/22
Following the presentation, you are invited to stay for optional lunch and conversation.
Cost for lunch: $12
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SDSCS relies on funding from sponsorships and donations. Become a sponsor today! |
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New Beginnings Membership Class
Sunday, August 28 | 12:30 - 2 PM | Linder Lounge
Lunch provided | Free Childcare
New Beginnings is the class for people interested in becoming a member and learning more about First Church and Methodism. Participants will get to know each other and meet the pastoral team, staff and leaders of the church.
Register early! Resources will be distributed electronically in advance for participants to view prior to this one time, 1 and 1/2-hour session. During our in-person gathering, presenters will highlight a few key points, followed by Q & A.
- Tour of the Mission Valley sanctuary & First Church History
- Wesleyan History, United Methodist Theology & Discipleship
- United Methodist Connection
- First Church’s Vision & Ministry Opportunities
- Membership Next Steps and Vows
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"Shoes That Fit" Change Drive
Sundays August 21 and 28
We want to be ready for September and the new school year.
Please bring your change (or bills and checks) to the Shoes That Fit table on the patio between services on August 21 and August 28 from 10 to 11 . You can also click the button below and donate online.
New shoes provide dignity, hope, pride and self-esteem
The First UMC San Diego "Shoes That Fit Change Drive" helps provide new shoes to students in need at several San Diego area elementary schools where volunteers delivered shoes to Adams, Burbank, Central, Cherokee Pt., Porter, Rosa Parks, and Rowan last Fall and this Spring. Past contribution campaigns have provided shoes to more than 3,000 disadvantaged students, helping to change children's lives.
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Children and Youth – Join a Choir!
Choir and music programs for children and youth begin on Sunday, September 11. This fall’s programming focuses on music fundamentals, positive personal expression, making new friends, and creating joyful music in the spirit of worship. Prior musical experience is not necessary!
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9 - 9:20 AM
“Young Children's Music”
Age 4 to 6 years old
Location: Children's Choir Room
Dana Zimbric, Director of Children’s Music & Jill Herbold, Accompanist
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10:15 - 11 AM
“Children’s Choir”
Grades K to 5
Location: Children's Choir Room
Dana Zimbric, Director of Children’s Music & Jill Herbold, Accompanist
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11:30 AM - 12 PM
“Youth Chime Ensemble”
Grades 4+
Location: Children's Choir Room
Dana Zimbric, Director of Children’s Music & Jill Herbold, Accompanist
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12 -12:30 PM NEW!
“Youth Choir”
Grades 6 to 12
Location: Trotter Chapel
Brian Lustig, Director of Choral Activities & Jill Herbold, Accompanist
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Join the Summer Choir!
Sundays through Sept. 4
9 AM Service: 8:15 AM call time | 11 AM Service: 10:15 AM call time
Come to the Music Center to learn a simple anthem that we will sing during the service that day each week. The choir is open to anyone with any vocal range who is fully vaccinated. Bring your beautiful voice and singing heart regardless of your previous experience, and don't forget to bring your mask! We do not wear robes and we do not process. We just ask you to wear your normal church-appropriate attire. Come one Sunday, or come to as many Sundays as you are available! For more information, contact Brian Lustig, Director of Choral Activities, blustig@fumcsd.org.
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Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch
2121 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, Ca 92104
Join us every 4th Sunday after worship for food and community! We will be meeting in person at some local eatery and we are looking forward to seeing you soon.
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Midday Gathering
Wednesday Sept. 7 | 12:15 PM | Linder 4 (also via Zoom)
Ovarian Cancer Alliance of San Diego
Speakers: Cindy Silver—Facilitator (Ovarian Cancer Survivor), Barb Horton (Ovarian Cancer Survivor), and Jill Curtiss (Uterine Cancer Survivor)
This program is designed to spread the word about ovarian cancer awareness throughout San Diego County. Our goal is to reach and empower women to be aware of their bodies and to inform them about risk factors for ovarian cancer. You will hear inspiring, uplifting personal stories from grateful survivors including our own Barb Horton.
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, September 5. The cost is $10 per person.
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Midday Pipes
We welcome Paul Rosas, retired organist from Los Altos United Methodist Church, to kick off our first organ concert this season.
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Understanding Alzheimers' Disease
Wednesdays Sept. 14, 21, 28 (three-part class)
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Lounge | Free | RSVP by 9/12. Refreshments will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own lunch.
Alzheimer's Disease is a form of dementia that affects over 55 million people world wide. Please join the New Life Counseling Center and The San Diego Alzheimer’s Association as they kick off a 3-part series to educate you on Alzheimer’s Disease and how you can help a loved one who may be struggling.
- Wednesday, 9/14: The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
- Wednesday, 9/21: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Wednesday, 9/28: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Presentations and Q&A will be held in Linder Lounge. Please wear a mask.
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2022 Women's Retreat - Seasons of Grace
Saturday, October 1 | 8:15 AM - 4 PM | Linder Hall | $40 including lunch and refreshments.
There are unexpected joys and sorrows, blessings and loss through all the stages of our lives. But how do we face these changing seasons with a pilgrim’s heart? How do we seek God’s grace and transforming presence in the midst of change?
Explore the possibilities for grace in every season of your life with our wonderful speakers, Pastors Lea Booth, Molly Vetter, and Cindy Arnston.
There will be time for fellowship, music and activities, and small group discussions. Enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch with your sisters in Christ. Free child care.
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Our Food Ministry Needs Your Support
First Church continues to serve our neighbors through a food ministry that started in the 1990s. The Church purchases eggs and milk as well as picks up donations from the Food Bank and Von’s, then delivers them to Wesley UMC on El Cajon Blvd in City Heights for distribution. About 500 people receive food each week during Wesley’s Monday, Wednesday and Friday distribution times.
Join Us and Become a Volunteer!
Volunteers are needed to help with both food pick-up and deliveries. In addition, on Wednesday and Friday, Wesley UMC currently needs volunteers to give an hour of their time between 10:30 -11:30 AM to assemble food bags. Lifting ability is not necessary as the food bags are filled by pushing a cart to the different food areas and Wesley personnel hand the bags to the recipients. This program is also looking for a few additional adult leaders to help guide it into the next decade. Come join us! If you wish to learn more about our Food Ministry please contact: Ron Livingston or Noel Haskins-Hafer.
We Welcome Donations!
With inflation hitting our low-income neighbors especially hard, there is greater demand at the same time the Food Ministry’s costs are rising. Money donations are urgently needed to continue this ministry. Click the button below to donate directly to the food ministry
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Volunteers needed for 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 a 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 (9/10, 10/8, 11/12, 12/10). For more information, please contact Katherine Stone.
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The Border Church Call to Action
As you probably have heard, the Department of Homeland Security has announced that they will replace the two parallel 18 ft. fences with two 30 ft. walls through Friendship Park. It will defeat the binational friendliness that is the purpose of this park which hosts weekly Border Church communion services led by Rev. John Fanestil, festivals, and provides a meeting place for people who have been deported or who have separated families to meet and get assistance. FUMCSD has been supporting Border Church for a few years; you can learn more about it on the missionary section of the church's website here.
Friends of Friendship Park is requesting a delay in construction so that the stakeholders can meet with Customs and Border Patrol. Watch John Fanestil's video below.
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If you would like to help support the Friends of Friendship Park, please consider:
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Joining the action team by sending your cell phone number to dan@viainternational.org
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Celebrating the 51st anniversary of Friendship Park on August 20, where there will a music performance on the Mexican side and empty chairs on the U.S. side - you can purchase an empty chair at this website: https://givebutter.com/savefriendshippark
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We are continuing our support for Ukrainian friends
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (through August)
If you would like to volunteer in the following areas, please send an email using the the interest area below in the subject line, to fc4ukraine@gmail.com and let us know of your availability and interest. Your email will be directed to the area coordinators.
Food: taking our guests to grocery shopping and/or to food pantries. First Church will provide financial assistance until CalFresh and other benefits are granted.
Interpretation: providing on-site translation for legal, medical, and educational appointments.
Transportation (on-call basis with a 2-day notice)
Social/Family life (playdates): a trip to a nearby playground, soccer, Balboa Park, Zoo, or anywhere you would like for a 5-yo boy (+mom) and/or a 11-yo (+mom). Send an email to fumcsdplaydates@gmail.com.
- Donations of free tickets/guest passes welcomed.
English as Second Language: school preparation for young children (6th grade and Kindergarten) and basic English preparation for employment for adults. Casual English conversation is welcomed as well.
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LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
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Monday Night Book Club
Mondays, 7-8 PM
Book study starts 8/22:
by Marcus J. Borg
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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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Koinonia
1st Friday of the month
8 AM
via Zoom
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Heart of Christianity
Sundays, 11 AM
via Zoom
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SUNDAY - AUGUST 21
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.
Ordinary Sacredness Seasons & Stages
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.
Rev. Michael Christiansen preaching
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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CGC now enrolling for kindergarten
Small class with 12 children maximum. Wonderful teacher and program. First day of school August 29. Child must be 5 years old by September 1.
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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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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 Openings
CGC is Hiring Infant and Preschool Teachers
- 12 college units of core ECE classes
- 6 months experience in a licensed childcare center
- Positions start immediately
- Hardworking, dependable, loving, silly, and fun!
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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
8/7, Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley 9 AM, Ocean Beach 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 313
8/7, Sunday 9 AM live-streamed service
Real-time viewers: 343
Avg. watch-time: 19:02
First Church YouTube subscribers: 1430
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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UMCOR GLOBAL MINISTRIES
100% of the contributions to UMCOR Global ministries go to the designated cause. We provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country. Support the humanitarian response in Ukraine. Give Now!
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619-297-4366
2111 Camino del Rio South,
San Diego, CA 92108
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