Announcing the 2026 & 2027 Sankofa Pilgrimage

Visit our dedicated webpage for initial details & watch livestream replay!

Thank you everyone who was able to join our recent Sankofa Church Gathering. It was a wonderful time of celebration and learning, looking back on our 2023/24/25 pilgrimages. We also got a taste of what's to come! If you were unable to join us, head over to our Sankofa webpage to watch the replay and to learn about what's coming up. Want to learn more? Join our interest list to get timely email updates.

We're Hiring and You're Invited to Apply!

Get details, including full job descriptions and how to apply, on our website.

FUMCSD is seeking caring and dependable individuals to serve a Memorial and Wedding Hosts/Hostesses. These roles provide hospitality, support, and guidance to families and guests during some of life’s most meaningful moments. Working alongside pastors, the host/hostess ensures that the church is a welcoming, safe, and well-prepared space for ceremonies of remembrance and celebration. The ideal candidate is gracious, attentive to detail, and committed to offering a ministry of presence that reflects the compassion and care of First Church. If interested, please provide an assessment of your gifts and experiences that are relevant to the job, your expected availability, and contact information to revtrudy@fumcsd.org.

We're also seeking an Administrative Coordinator to support our staff, congregation, and community. This full-time role serves as the first point of contact in the church office, coordinates worship service logistics, assists ministry leaders, and maintains accurate church records. Learn more online.

All Saints Evensong: Honor Your Loved One

Sat. Nov. 1 | 6 PM | Sanctuary | Submit information by Oct. 28

Have you lost a loved one this past year (November 2024-present)? We would like to honor your beloved at our special Evensong worship service. To help us properly honor your loved one, please fill out our form by Tuesday, October 28.

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss themes of Perspectives & Tapestry

Sun, 12 PM | Trotter Chapel

Join Us

Patreon for FUMCSD

Online discussion & content

Available 24/7 on Patreon Website & App

Connect With Others

Prayers of the People

Pray for church family

Weds, 9:30 AM | Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Page Turners

Member-led book study

Sun, 10:30 AM | Lower Sanctuary Library

Register

Heart of Christianity

Member-led book study

Sun, 11 AM | Zoom

Register

Become a Stephen Minister Care Giver

New classes begin in January! Submit Application by November 16

Are you a caring person willing to help those experiencing life difficulties? Are you a good and positive listener willing to meet with people who are hurting? Stephen Ministers will be on Linder Patio between services with information on how you can join them. For additional details and to submit your application, visit the Stephen Ministry page on the church website.

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. Oct. 11, 7:30 - 9:30 AM | St. Paul’s Cathedral Courtyard, 2728 Sixth Avenue | Learn More

Help your neighbors! Prepare a dish, help serve, or drop off donations. Contact Katherine Stone for details and to sign up.

"Shoes That Fit" Change Drive

Sundays, Oct. 19 & 26 | 10-11 AM | Linder Patio

Or give online (please select Shoes That Fit Ministry from the Fund drop down menu). Our volunteers deliver 15 pairs per school twice a year (fall and spring), totaling 150 pairs of shoes annually. Thanks for continued support!

Dream School of the Arts Wish List

Donate supplies to make this year a success | Support Students

Our after school enrichment program is back in session. Help our Dreamers stocking the Dream School with essential supplies that contribute to the well-being of the students, families, and Dream School team.

The River Book Study

Wed. Oct. 1 | 5:30 PM | Potluck Social | Email Rev. Hannah to receive an Evite

Join our monthly LGBTQIA friends for monthly fellowship. We're taking a break from our book discussion (Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology) to enjoy a meal and conversation.

Parents Forum

2nd Sun. Oct. 12, 10:10 - 10:30 AM | The Cove (UMC Building)

Gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

Wisdom Book Study: The Seven Stone Path

2nd Mon. Oct. 13 | 6 PM | Zoom | Register

Join Barb Eveland and others for a monthly conversation exploring wisdom traditions from around the world, guided by Peter Bolland's book, “The Seven Stone Path, An Everyday Journey to Wisdom.” Questions? Email Barb Eveland.

We offer two styles of worship – attend one or both!

Infant-Pre-K childcare is available during both services.

Want to revisit a sermon? See our online Sermon Archive. 

Donate Altar Flowers

Recognize significant events in your family’s life! Bouquets are $65 each.

Contact the Church Office for available dates  

Kinder-5th Grade | Sundays, 9:15-10 AM | Start in Sanctuary & End in The Cove

Kids leave with Sunday School teachers immediately after "A Time With Children" and head over to The Cove (located in the UM Building). Parents pick up kids from The Cove Middle School Room immediately following service.

Music (K-12th) | Sundays, 10-11:45 AM | Register | Questions? Contact Dana Zimbric

Free kids and teens music program!

Primary Choir (Grades K-5): 10-10:45 AM, Middle School Room (The Cove)

Secondary Voices (Grades 5/6-12): 10-10:45 AM, Children's Choir Room (Lower Sanctuary)

Youth Chimes (Grades 5-12): 11-11:45 AM, Children's Choir Room (Lower Sanctuary)

Grades 4-12: Serve As an Acolyte

Sign up to assist in our Traditional Worship! Contact the Church Office.

Children’s Growing Center Has Openings!

Weekday programing for infants through Pre-K | Learn More

Our school is accepting students ages 0-5. Details are available at fumcsd.org/cgc or call 619-295-1915 to speak with school staff.

In Our Prayers: Check our website for updates on deaths, memorial services, and funerals.

Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep and Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. | Oct. 4 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 2

Help assemble prayer quilts. Learn more about our ministry and request a quilt for another person: visit us online.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

3rd Thurs. | Oct. 16 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

If you’re a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, you’re invited to join us to connect with others who understand this unique struggle.

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.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Hosting an event? We have space available!

Contact David Patterson for details, including exclusive pricing.

As a First Church member, you can get exclusive deals on these wonderful spaces for your upcoming events. Whether it's a high school or family reunion, birthday celebration, or wedding anniversary, we’ve got the perfect space to bring your ideas to life.