Thursday, May 21, 2020
Bishop Grant Hagiya
This Sunday will be a bit different and special.
Our Bishop, Grant Hagiya, has recorded a worship service along with Conference staff, to be shared at local churches. The heart of this generous work of leadership was to give AV techs, musicians, and pastors a Sunday sabbath during this intense time of Covid-19. The Bishop's sermon is powerful, the music is moving, and as we gather in worship this Sunday you will see a greeting from me, followed by the service led by the Bishop. I hope you will plan to join us in worship in this way.

This weekend is also Memorial Day weekend, and we are so grateful for the military service members who have shown us what sacrificial love looks like when offered on behalf of our country. We will continue to remember and honor Memorial Day as a part of the "Service of Remembrance" on 5/31 at 7:30 PM as well (more information about that service is below). 

As you move through this week, know that I am praying for you. May God's peace sustain you, may God's hope inspire you, and may God's love move in and through you each day. 

Blessings,
Jessica
W.E. SERVE
Rachel's House Sandwich Sunday
Sunday, June 7 |  Donate online
Since we may still not be meeting at church at this date, we encourage those who want to help to make a monetary donation online. Chose  "Special Gift"  and write: " Rachel's House Donation. " Thank you for supporting Rachel's House.
Greatest need this week: Peanutbutter
Updates from OB Loaves & Fishes
We are successful in achieving our mission. Nobody who has come for food on a distribution day has been turned away empty-handed. The OB Emergency Food Bank is serving between 140-200 people a week, still trying to gauge what the "new normal" will be.

The greatest need right now is Peanut Butter . Contact Rev. Jessica to arrange when you can drop your donation off, or have a volunteer come pick it up. Thank you for your support! Please email Pastor Jessica if you want to know more of wish to donate to OB Loaves & Fishes.

Blessings,
Marian Jennifer Hart
OB Loaves and Fishes Pantry Coordinator
Save the Reef
Eagle Scout Project by Jack Ducote
Coloring Contest for Kids!
Jack is inviting you to join his coloring contest. Click button below. Print out contest sheet. Color the artwork, add your name and take a picture of your art and send by email to jducote2023@francisparker.org by Wednesday, 5/27.
Other Ways to Serve
Jack Ducote is one of the youth involved in the life of our church, and he has been working hard on his Eagle Scout project. Jack is passionate about doing what we can to protect coral reefs, and has put together a wonderful article and video with information.

His project involves sharing this information with as many groups as possible, and we are delighted to be able to share his good work here with you. As people of faith, we are excited to both care for the earth, and support the leadership of the youth among us. - Rev. Jessica Strysko
REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES
Service of Remembrance
Sunday, May 31 | 7:30 PM | Live-stream
The Service of Remembrance we offered on April 26 was very well received. (View the Service of Remembrance Archive ) .  We realize that the loss of people we love during this time hasn't stopped. We need to keep on remembering. Therefore, a new Service of Remembrance During the time of COVID-19 will be offered via live-stream on May 31 at 7:30 PM. If you have someone you would like to honor at this service, click on the button below and fill out the form. Submissions close on Thursday, May 28 at 3 PM PDT.
 UPCOMING EVENTS
Pentecost Drive-by Parade
Sunday, May 31 | 1 - 3 PM | Parking lot 2 (Mission Valley Campus)
June 7 is Communion Sunday at First Church. Since the shut-down, we have offered safe, prepared communion elements for pick-up in our parking lot. You will be able to pick up communion elements on May 31 from 1-3 PM. Please enter the west driveway and turn into parking lot P-2 where a pastor will offer you a blessing from a safe distance. You'll then be invited to pull forward to pick up the number of elements you will need for your household from a table all while remaining in your vehicle.
May 31 is also Pentecost Sunday!  We will simultaneously celebrate with a drive-by Birthday Party for the Church! So... we're asking you to decorate your car for a birthday party with whatever you might have on hand, drive through the church parking lot to receive your Communion elements, and smile while we record on video the parade! We'll share the celebration video the following week in worship.
 ZOOM CLASSES
New Beginnings Membership Class
Sunday, June 7 | 12 - 2 PM | Online via ZOOM | RSVP
Sign up today for this personal conversation with Revs. Trudy Robinson and Jessica Strysko. Together we will explore: What does Church membership mean? What is First Church all about? The blessings of company on our Christian journey. The responsibilities of belonging to a community of faith.
The Enneagram
Understanding Ourselves, Others & God
Thursdays through June 4
10:30 - 11:30 AM
If you missed our study during Lent, here is your second chance to learn how you can live more fully into who God created you to be and lead you into places of spiritual discovery by recognizing the gifts and aspects of God in others.
Learn more &  RSVP
It's OK that You're Not OK  - Grief Support Group
Sundays through June 7
11 AM - 12 PM -  RSVP
The grief of a loved one is never easy, especially during this uncertain time. We invite you to sort through grief process with a supportive community discussing Megan Devine’s book:  It’s OK That You're Not OK.  Pastor Tamara Walker and New Life Counseling Center Director, Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, facilitate this weekly Zoom meeting. Please contact   Pastor Tamara   for any questions. Order a book  here . *It is not necessary to read the book to join the conversation.
Water's Edge Next Bible Study:
"Praying the Psalms through a Pandemic"
Sundays June 7 - July 19
8 - 9 AM | RSVP
During the study, we will read through the entire book of Psalms in manageable chunks. Our discussions will focus on historical context, how the psalmists see God at work in their lives, and which psalms resonate with our prayers and experiences of struggle today. All are welcome to join in at any time.
 ZOOM GATHERINGS
"Conversations"
Wednesdays | 7:30 PM
To join:  Email Pastor Jessica. For tech. support email Curt
You are welcome to join this group for discussion and conversation on various topics. Dr. Bill Stephenson and Curt Goldacker are the primary facilitators.  
May 27,  "Well Worn But Wears Well" Luke 10:5f

"Virtual Coffee Hour"
Sundays | 11:15 AM
To join: Email Debbie For tech. support email Simon

Water's Edge Children and Youth
Thursdays | 5-5:30 PM
Sundays | 10:45 AM
To join: Email Daniel

Prayers of the People
Wednesdays through May 6 | 9:30 AM

If you want to join these online meetings, or have your own small group you'd like help connecting with, please let me know! Zoom is very simple, and we have great people who can walk you through the steps over the phone if needed. Please don't hesitate to reach out! My e-mail is revjess@watersedgeob.org
WORSHIP LIVE
Tips for live-stream worship:
  • Go to our Live Stream page - check out the buttons on this page in advance to:
  • Register your presence: click on the button "Let us Know You are Here"
  • Help support our church by giving online Donate
Gather  and  light a candle  to signify the holy presence of Christ.
This Sunday
May 24 | 10 AM | Live-stream
Make sure to watch a powerful pre-recorded message by Bishop Hagiya.
How to give when the church office is closed and worship is online?

  1. Give online using your credit or debit card. Gifts can be one-time or automatically recurring each week or month, however you’d like.
  2. TEXT to Give. Just text MYCHURCHGIFT to 73256 and see how easy it can be!
  3. 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.
W. E. CARE
Covid-19, Water's Edge & You
Simple steps to stay physically, spiritually, and emotionally well in an age of the corona virus.
Stay up-to-date with the latest information from Water's Edge Faith Community.
Rev. Jessica Strysko
Water's Edge Faith Community

Join us on Sundays, at 10 AM
1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd in Ocean Beach