Thank You For Donating Poinsettias!

View the poinsettia donor list online.

Thank you to everyone who donated poinsettias and to our volunteers who helped arrange and water them. Our sanctuary looks so festive and beautiful.

Our Advent Mix Tape Spotify Playlist

Still in the Mood for Christmas Songs? Listen Now

We've used your suggestions to create a playlist on Spotify. Check it out!

Join Us In Welcoming CJ Abondano!

Announcing our new Administrative Coordinator

We are excited to welcome CJ Abondano. He comes to us with a background in higher education and nonprofit work, including Lone Star College, San Diego State University, and the YMCA of San Diego County. He shares, "I am excited to join this team and look forward to being part of the positive impact we have on our community." Be sure to stop by the office to greet CJ!

We're Hiring: Director of Stewardship and Development

Share or Apply | Get Description & Details

The church is seeking an experienced development, fundraising, or stewardship professional to help grow our resources so we can fulfill our mission and ministry goals. Questions? Contact Linda Hawk.

How does the Church work? And where are we going?

Leadership Training

Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 5 - 6 PM | Linder 2 & Zoom | RSVP by 1/12

Join Rev. Trudy and Linda Hawk to learn more about the inner workings, administrative structure, and work of each committee at FUMCSD. This training is open to all who are or want to be a part of the church’s leadership.

Time to Sign Up: Spring Masterwork Chorale

Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:30-9 PM starting 1/13 | Register Online

Join us as we learn and perform Giochino Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle – a mass setting with an operatic flair! Our performance takes place on Saturday, May 9 at 4 PM. Registration Fee: $100 (full-time students are free!). If you sing in another FUMCSD choir, email Brian Lustig for registration instructions.

Perspectives Podcast Anniversary Celebration

Sun. Jan. 25 | 12 PM | Linder Hall & Online | Register

Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast is turning 2! Join us to celebrate as we look back on favorite moments, laugh at some bloopers, and look forward to another year of conversation and growth. Please register in advance so we have enough seats! You can also reserve lunch for $15.

UMC Scholarships: General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

High School Seniors: Apply for scholarships Jan. 7 – Mar. 13!

GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, they award an average of $4.5 million to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. You only submit one application per year that’s screened for all possible eligible programs!

2025 Confirmation Class: Grades 7 - 12

Starts Sun. Feb. 1 | Sign Up Online

Come learn about Methodism, explore your faith, and become a member of First Church. Get all of the dates and details when you visit the registration page online. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Hannah. 

Perspectives Podcast

Our reimagined Pastor’s Bible Study

New episodes on Sundays

Listen Now

Convergence Group

Discuss Perspectives

Sun, 12 PM | Trotter Chapel

Taking a break 12/28 & 1/4

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

Shoes That Fit: Thank you!

We appreciate everyone's continued generosity for the Shoes that Fit Program. Through our donations, we were able to donate 75 pairs of shoes: 15 each to Adams, Cherokee Pointm, Logan, Porter, and Rosa Parks Elementary Schools.

Showers of Blessings Breakfast

2nd Sat. Jan. 10, 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.

Help Dream School Secure Grant Funding: Grant Writing Advisor

Dream School of the Arts is in need of someone with grant writing experience to serve as an advisor for the Board of Directors. If this is you, please reach out to khundley@dsoasd.org or revtrudy@fumcsd.org. Thank you!

Young Adult Book Study

Tues. Jan. 6 | 7:30 PM | Zoom | RSVP Online

Join us as we explore the book: Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans with Jeff Chu. We welcome newcomers at anytime! In January, we'll discuss chapters 7 & 8.

Parents Forum: Social & Emotional Wellness Workshop

Sun. Jan. 11 | 10:10 AM | The Cove

On 2nd Sunday of the month, we meet to talk about kids, parenting, and faith. January is extra special, as we'll be joined by New Life Counseling Center Director Sheilah Cameron, LMFT. All parents are invited to join us! Questions? Contact Rev. Hannah.

United Women in Faith District Spiritual Retreat 

Fri. March 13 at 4 PM to Sat. March 14 at 2 PM | Register with Barb Eveland

Join the FUMCSD United Women in Faith (UWF) at the district retreat: "Soul Care 2026" It takes place at Camp Cedar Glen in Julian and all women are invited! Cost is $150 for both days or $50 for Saturday only. Registration and payment deadline is February 20. Questions? Contact Barb Eveland.

Heart of Christianity – New Book!

Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change | Register

Meeting Sundays at 11 AM on Zoom, the Heart of Christianity group studies different books throughout the year. The group started the book Dec. 14, so now is the perfect time to join!

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  

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. | Jan. 3 | 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. 

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.

Stewardship Campaign: Our Money Story

Read Our Money Story | Pledge at church or submit pledge online. Update as of Sun. Dec. 29: 234 pledges totaling $913,477 (an average of $3,903) – over 91% to our goal of $1,000,000 pledged! We are grateful for all the pledges we’ve received. We are hoping for 250 households to pledge their financial support to our ministries together next year.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Church office closed on Jan. 1 for New Years

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.