As the sun was setting, the First Church BBQ crew got ready to serve the kids and their families at Cherokee Pt. Elementary. Check out the video on our facebook page.
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eNEWS - September 18, 2023 |
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WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!
First Church is welcoming 24 guests among hundreds of migrants who had been dropped at transit centers. Please join us as we provide them temporary housing and food in our sacred space before they leave for their final destination. Bring your love to our guests.
Updated information 9/17/23
Our migrant brothers and sisters are in need of the following items (see list below).
Please bring to Trotter Chapel:
- gently used clothing, new women and men’s underwear, socks (small and medium sizes for all clothes),
- mens shoes (all sizes),
- shoe laces,
- cellphone chargers (android and iphone), sim cards
- deodorant,
- fresh fruits,
- orange juice,
- milk, and water.
We also need volunteers to provide:
- transportation (to the airport/train station),
- housekeeping needs (laundry and other errands),
- meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner),
- general hospitality,
- overnight hosts starting on Tuesday.
Updated sign-up links will be posted on social media and on our website here by noon on Monday, September 18.
You will hear stories of heartache that reveal the courage and strength of some of the most gracious and grateful people on earth. Help as you can. Thank you.
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A big Welcome to the San Pablo Church!
We have a new church joining our campus! The congregation San Pablo Church meets on Sundays, 1 - 4 PM in the lower level of the UMC building, CGC Multi-purpose rooms and again on Wednesdays 6-9 PM and every Monday in the Cove 6-9 PM for joyful band rehearsals.
The San Pablo church started in 1991 in a private home in the Clairemont area to accommodate a growing Hispanic Christian community, who felt the drive to the closest Spanish-speaking church in National City was too far away. In 1995 the home-based church was granted a license to operate as a non-profit religious organization. During the next 32 years, the San Pablo church moved several times, renting spaces in an elementary school and other places of worship. Today the church is led by pastors Jose Manuel Valdez and his wife Raquel O. Valdez, who sent this note to our church:
“I personally want to thank you, Pastor Rev. Trudy Robinson, and the entire congregation of the First Methodist Church for the opportunity to have a place where we can continue to grow the Kingdom of God among Hispanics.
thank you for your time,
sincerely, Pastor Jose Manuel Valdez”
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Questions of the Heart
Sunday, Sept. 24 | 10 AM | LInder Hall
Note: Worship is as usual at 9 & 11 in the Sanctuary
This sermon series places the valuable scripture, doctrines, and theologies of the Christian church alongside the questions people who are spiritual but not religious might be asking. We have much to offer those beyond the walls of the church, and the more we learn about the culture beyond the church, the more we can speak to that culture. To compliment the sermon series, we are showing some of the videos from the Re-Wilding Conference in Linder Hall. Pick up your coffee and donuts and join us between services at 10 AM, September 24.
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Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, Oct. 8 | All animals are welcome from 4 to 5 PM at Old Trolley Barn Park (1943 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116).
Our pets are a blessing to us! We experience God's love as we exchange our love with our animals. Standing in a long tradition of our faith, we will offer prayers of blessing for animals and other pet-loving goodies from local businesses.
If you said goodbye to your pets this past year, bring their pictures or ashes to share memories with us. If you are part of our online community or cannot make it in-person, share your photo of you and your pet on your Facebook and/or Instagram with hashtag #FirstChurchSD, #firstunitedmethodistchurchsandiego, #BlessingOfTheAnimals.
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San Diego School of Christian Studies presents 2023-24 lecture series:
Bridging The Gap Between Neighbors; Especially Those Different From Me
Speaker Rev. Dr. Soomee Kim
Saturday, Oct. 14 | 10:30 AM - 12 PM | Linder Lounge & Patio | $10 | RSVP by 10/11
After the event you are invited to stay for conversation and a light lunch.
How do I approach neighbors with whom I've had little contact for months? or ever? How can I LISTEN for understanding? What can I do to resolve or embrace differences? How does one purposely welcome neighbors, especially anyone new, to my church or group? How can we promote "contagious kindness" in our house of worship & our neighborhoods?
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Volunteer at "Showers of Blessings"
This mission group prepares and serves a hot breakfast to our unhoused and food insecure neighbors, sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church adjacent to Balboa Park.
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The Samaritan Store needs your help
The storm provided for those in need and now we are in need to refill of the following:
Applesauce, Unrefrigerated Pudding, Chef Boyardee canned goodies, Soup, Tuna, Canned chicken, Cereal in the cups, Chicken Ramen Boxed Mac and cheese, Pop tarts, Nutrigrain bars.
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Season of Change Process Group
Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 11 AM - 12 PM | Linder 5 | Please RSVP by October 10
We often find comfort in dependability and things going as planned, but what happens when things shift? Change can be difficult, exciting, debilitating and refreshing. The church as we know it is changing. If you want a place to process your thoughts about the shift happening at the church and in the world, please consider joining us for a one-time, in-person small group discussion. Group facilitated by New Life Counseling Center Director, Sheilah Cameron, LMFT. This class is limited to 15 participants
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NEW! Small Group Book Studies
Spiritual Journey Book Group
Every other Thursday, starting Sept. 21 | 6-7 PM
To join this group email Laurie - currently 2 spots available.
This book is joining with the authors on an adventure – “one that is about uncovering and naming faulty conclusions, suppositions, and assumptions about the Christian faith.” In this book, the authors take turns addressing crucial topics such as salvation, the Bible, being postmodern, worship, homosexuality, truth and many more. Group discussions are facilitated by members of the group with a follow-up summary by Rev. Hannah.
Younger Adults and Young Parents
Are you questioning about Christian faith? Your children ask you questions about faith you can’t answer at the top of your head? If so, join us for a book study on Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity. Let us grow and journey together. This group will meet once a month via Zoom, starting October. RSVP by email to Rev. Hannah Meeting time will be determined based on your availability.
The River (LGBTQ group)
Join us for a book study on UnClobber: Expanded Edition with Study Guide: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality. Starting in October, this group will meet once a month on the second Sunday of the month at 12:30 PM. Location will be sent to you upon your RSVP to Rev. Hannah revhannah@fumcsd.org. This book study is exclusively for our immediate LGBTQI friends only. Allies will have an opportunity to join us for another book study. Stay tuned.
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Welcome and get to know your church neighbors!
If you live in any of these neighborhoods we hope you join us.
Mission Valley/Serra Mesa
Wednesday, September 20 | 5:30 PM | Chili's 4252 Camino Del Rio N San Diego CA 92108
Hillcrest/Mission Hills
Saturday, October 21 | 11:30 AM | Panama 66, Balboa Park
1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101.
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Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch
Join us every 4th Sunday after worship for food and community! We will be meeting in person at the local eatery listed, and we are looking forward to seeing you soon.
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Senior Singles Fellowship Group
Every Friday | 12 - 3:30 PM | Linder Hall 2
Senior singles welcome to join us every Friday for a potluck lunch followed by games, Rummicubes, easy Scrabble, Bridge, and more! You may bring a food contribution serving 6. No RSVPs needed. No charge. Questions, call Karen, 619-263-3743 (no texts).
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LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
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Prayers for First Church's "Year of Discernment"
Thursdays, (weekly) | 12:30 - 1PM | Linder 5 & Zoom RSVP
Sundays, (weekly ) | 8:15 - 8:45 AM | LInder 5 & Zoom RSVP
Join Rev. Tamara everyThursday and Sunday to pray for First UMC San Diego’s Year of Discernment. Ask the God of all our days to use us as vessels to spread genuine and trustworthy love to everyone and all the earth. Contact Rev. Tamara for more information.
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Monday Night Christian Book Club
Mondays | 7-8 PM | Zoom
by Richard Rohr.
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Monthly Labyrinth Walk
4th Wednesday
6 - 8 PM | Linder Hall
Drop-in, no registration
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Koinonia
1st Friday of the month
8 AM | Zoom
Speaker & Fellowship
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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 | Zoom
Christian litterature study and discussion.
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SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 24
WORSHIP INFO
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Questions of the Heart
Sunday, Sept. 24 | 10 AM | LInder Hall
To compliment the sermon series, we are showing some of the videos from the Re-Wilding Conference in Linder Hall. Pick up your coffee and donuts and join us between services at 10 AM, September 24.
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Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
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Will Everything Be OK?
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.
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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
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.
KIDS FIRST (elementary students through 5th grade)
Sundays 9 -10 AM. Join us in the sanctuary for "A Time with Children," followed by Sunday School in the Cove. On Communion Sundays, we ask that you pick up "Kids First" from The Children's Music Room below the sanctuary.
STUDENTS 1st (middle school and high school students)
Sundays 10:30 -11:30 AM. Join us in the Cove: The Mountaintop (high school) and The Summit (middle school). Students in both groups meet together weekly for Sunday school.
We encourage children to sign up to be acolytes 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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Become a Stephen Minister
New training class begins in September
Do you have compassion to serve people in our congregation and communities who are hurting? If so, consider becoming a Stephen Minister. As a Stephen Minister, a lay person is trained to offer confidential one-on-one Christ-centered care, hope, listening and encouragement to people experiencing difficulties.
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Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group
3rd Thursday of the month: Sept. 21 | 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.
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Fall Grief Support Group
Sundays, Oct. 22 - Dec. 17 | 12:15 - 1:30 PM | Sanctuary Mtg. Room The class is free of charge | RSVP by Oct. 19
Losing a loved one is life-altering and heartbreaking. If you are looking to connect with people who understand the hardships of grief please join Pastor Tamara Walker and Director of the New Life Counseling Center, Sheilah Cameron, LMFT as they educate, normalize and make space for you to navigate this new reality.
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Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services and funerals.
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PRAYERS & SQUARES MINISTRY |
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SAVE THE DATE
Prayers & Squares Annual Fall Retreat
Friday and Saturday, November 3 - 4, 9 AM - 4 PM | Linder Hall
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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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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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Potluck & Proposals Task Force Recommendations
If you missed the Potluck & Proposals event on 9/7 or want to read the various task force groups recommendations in detail, please click the buttons below.
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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
9/10/23, Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley: 9 & 11 AM & Ocean Beach: 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 293
9/10/23, Sunday 9 AM live-streamed service
Real-time viewers: 294
Avg. watch-time: 22:47
First Church YouTube subscribers: 1080
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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