The Heat is On!

HVAC project update

We're excited to report that we now have heat (and air conditioning!) in the sanctuary. Come feel the heat this Sunday as we celebrate Easter with our church family.

Cosmetic improvements are underway to cover exposed piping – it's going to look great! Thank you for your patience while we made this exciting improvement.

Digital Workshop: Social Media

Sun. Apr. 7 | 10:30 AM & 12 PM | Linder 5 & Zoom | Submit Questions

Learn how to connect with us on social media (YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) with this interactive workshop. Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop to follow along.

Both sessions will cover the same content. To join online, please register to receive the link:

·   10:30 AM: RSVP

·   12 PM: RSVP

Have a specific question? Submit it in advance so we can be sure to cover it!

Conversations About Israel and Gaza

Presentation & Potluck | Sun. Apr. 14 | 12:30 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

The War in Gaza has everyone concerned, for many reasons: the rise in anti-Semitism, the rising death rates in Gaza, the continued containment of hostages and prisoners, the end of the war is not in sight. How do we think about this conflict? How do others think about it? 

Join Senior Rabbi Jason Nevarez from Congregation Beth Israel and Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego on April 14^th at 12:30 PM for a potluck, presentation, and dialogue.  Register for details.

This conversation will be the first of others. Watch for more details from other organizations to gain a variety of views helpful for understanding all of what is going on. In the meantime, please keep in your prayers all those who are involved and effected by this war.

Follow Dream School on Instagram

Keep up with the latest Dream School updates and help spread the word!

To help increase visibility within the community, Dream School is now on Instagram. You can follow them at: https://www.instagram.com/dsoasd/

Stations of the Cross

In-Person Viewing: Fri. Mar. 29 | 5:30 - 9 PM | Linder Lounge

Journey through Jesus' final days with this moving multi-media experience. A new video is released daily through March 30. Watch the videos on our website, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, or come and see them in person on Good Friday.

Holy Week Services: March 28 to March 31

Mark your calendars for special worship services scheduled for Holy Week and Easter Sunday! We'll also have a fun Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. You can get all of the details on our website.

Maundy Thursday Communion Service

Thurs. Mar. 28 | 7:30 PM | Sanctuary & Livestream

Communion service with inspiring message from Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and special music by the First Church Jubilee Singers.

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Fri. Mar. 29 | 7:30 PM | Sanctuary & Livestream

Through scripture, music, silence, and contemplation, we will remember the One who gave his life for us.

Easter Sunday Worship

Sun. Mar. 31 | 9 & 11 AM | Sanctuary & Livestream

Join us for traditional worship, an inspiring message from Rev. Trudy Robinson, and festive music performed by our Chancel Choir and long-time music ministry partner, Westwind Brass and Timpani. We'll conclude the service with the thrilling Easter tradition, Toccata from Symphony No. 5 by Charles-Marie Widor, on First Church’s resounding pipe organ!

This is a family-friendly service but childcare will be available for kids ages 0-4.

Easter Egg Hunt

Sun. Mar. 31 | 10 AM | Lower Patio & CGC Story Tree Area

Join us immediately following the 9 AM service for the "Kids First" Easter Egg Hunt. The first round is for the PK-2nd graders at 10:15 AM in the CGC Storytelling Tree area and the second round is for the 3rd-5th graders at 10:30 AM on the sanctuary patio and garden areas. 

Easter Offering

25% will go toward aid for families affected by January 22 flood | Give Now

This year, we will share our Easter Offering with The Harvey Family Foundation, a local nonprofit that has been on the forefront of aiding families in Southeast San Diego affected by the historic floods on January 22.

Learn, Reflect, Discuss: Grow in 2024

Please note: Due to Holy Week activities, there will be no Convergence, Perspectives, or Tapestry this week.

We're also adjusting the weekly schedule. Starting April 7, we'll start the week with Tapestry on Sundays, release a new episode of Perspectives on Mondays, and follow up with discussion in Convergence on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Prayers of the People

Pray for one another and prayer requests

Wednesdays, 9:30 AM

In-person & Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Heart of Christianity

Sundays

11 AM | Zoom

Book Study

Register for Zoom

Koinonia

1st Friday of the month

8 AM | Zoom

Speaker & Fellowship

Register for Zoom

Monthly Labyrinth Walk

Wed. Mar. 27 | 6-8 PM | Linder Hall

Join us on the 4th Wednesday of the month for a meditative labyrinth walk. No registration needed! More information online.

Showers of Blessings

2nd Saturday: Apr. 13 | 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. 

Samaritan Store Donations

Food supplies are dwindling! Here are some staples we need:

Peanut butter, fruit cups, single-serving boxes of cereal, apple sauce, pudding cups (vanilla & chocolate).

Get to know your church neighbors!

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).

Parents Forum

Sun. Apr. 14 | 10:10 - 10:30 AM | Cove (UMC building)

On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

The River (LGBTQ group)

No meeting in April!

We just finished our book study on UnClobber: Expanded Edition with Study Guide. 

We will take a break and resume our meeting in May. Stay tuned! 

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL | Kids First (Grades K-5) & Students 1st ( Grades 6-12)

Start in Sanctuary for "A Time with Children," then we head to the Cove. 

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 Rev. Brittany for more info.

MUSIC PROGRAMS | 10 - 11 AM | The Cove

Primary Choir (Grades K-5): 10-10:30 AM

Secondary Voices (Grades 6-12): 10-10:30 AM

Youth Chimes (Grades 4+): 10:30-11 AM

Contact Dana Zimbric for more info.

ACOLYTES | Grades 4-12

Sign up to assist in Sanctuary worship service! Contact Demmie Divine.

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.

Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services, and funerals.

Quilt Prep & Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. of the month: Apr. 6 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 4

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. 

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Giving: How to Give

1. Deposit your gift in the offering plate during worship.
2. 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.
3. TEXT to Give. Just text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256 and see how easy it can be!
4. 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

3/17/24, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 270

3/17/24, livestreamed services

Real-time viewers: 233

Avg. watch-time: 24 minutes

First Church YouTube subscribers: 2,439

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.