Share Your Easter Pictures!

We'd love to see how you and your family celebrated Easter – whether you joined us at First Church or gathered elsewhere.

Yesterday was our glorious celebration of The Story of Hope. We had so much fun gathering as a church family to enjoy festive music, hear Rev. Trudy's inspiring message, and watch the kids shriek with laughter as they scrambled to grab Easter eggs.

We'd love to flood our social media with this joy and hope. Please take a moment today to upload your pictures so we can compile them with others for our Facebook and Instagram pages!

To share your pictures, use the above QR code or visit: https://www.fumcsd.org/easterpic. Please note: if you use the link on your smart phone, you may have to select "Desktop site" option in your web browser to see the option to upload a file.

Let's talk Black Health Event Series

Sat. Apr. 26, May 17, June 7 | 2 - 6 PM | Tubman Chavez Conference Center | Questions? Email: rjcsd.org@gmail.com

The Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego, along with other community partners, is hosting an event series that's kicking off April 26. We're invited to join them to learn about the important health issues facing the Black community and to promote better access, care, and health equity. Let's support this Racial Justice grantee and help bring health equity to our community.

SDSCS Event: Restoration of Southern California’s Largest Coastal Wetland

Sat. Apr. 26 | 1-3 PM | Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center in Imperial Beach | RSVP

Join us for the final event in this year's San Diego School of Christian Studies series – The Conservation, Importance, Research, and Restoration of Southern California’s Largest Coastal Wetland: The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. This nature walk includes the conservation history of the Tijuana Estuary, its important environmental functions, as well as its research and restoration. We'll be led by Interpreter Jessie Looney. Learn more and reserve your spot now!

New & Prospective Member Lunch

Sun. Apr. 27 | 12:15 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

Did you start visiting the church or become a member in 2023-2025? Then you’re invited to join us for a special lunch. Come get to know your pastors, staff, leaders, and most importantly one another. This is a wonderful opportunity to build connections and grow relationships over a shared meal and stories. We look forward to getting to know you better and sharing our church family with you. Bring your family and get ready to meet new friends! 

Spring Grief Support Group

Sun. Apr. 27 - June 1 | 12:15 - 1:15 PM | Sanctuary Meeting Room | RSVP

Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Our Grief Support Group offers a safe, understanding space to share, heal, and find hope in community. Join Rev. Brittany Hanlin, Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, and others within our community as we support one another through prayer and compassionate conversation. 

Spring Choral Concert: Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem

Sat. May 3 | 4 - 6 PM | Sanctuary & Online | Free Childcare

Join us for the last event in the 2024/25 Cultural Events Music Series, featuring a new transcription of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem! This transcription sharpens focus on the choir voices supported by pipe organ and select percussion instruments! Concert will be performed by Masterwork Chorale and First Church Chancel Choir, with Brian Woods-Lustig, conductor.

Coffee Chat With the Pastors

Sun. May 4 | 10:15-10:45 AM | Linder Patio

If you've been visiting FUMCSD and have some questions, we invite you to join the pastors for a chat over coffee on Linder Patio! This is a great opportunity to connect and learn more about the church. No registration is necessary, just meet us on the patio after service. 

Sankofa Pilgrimage Pre-study Class

Weds. May 14 - May 28 | 6 - 8 PM | Linder Lounge & Zoom | RSVP

Prior to embarking on the Sankofa pilgrimage, we'll prepare through a 3-week study. The pre-study is free and open to anyone interested (even if you're not joining the pilgrimage). Register for details including Zoom link.

Padres Faith and Family Night

Sat. May 17 | 5:40 PM | Petco Park | $49.50/ticket

We have a block of seats for this year's Faith and Family Night with the Padres. Have fun with your church family, watch the Padres take on the Mariners, and then stick around for a postgame concert with Rhett Walker. Email Nick Hubsmith to purchase a ticket!

VBS is Coming & We Need Volunteers!

Register to help: Sundays, July 13 - August 3

We're going on a Road Trip, and you're invited! VBS will take place across four Sundays from 12 to 3 PM each day. We're packing it full of fun, helping our kids embark on an adventure with God. But we need your help to make it a success.

Parents: Registration is also open for kids! You can get all the details online. Share the info with your friends and be sure to register by June 30!

Reflect, Learn, Discuss

Join us each week as we uncover new understandings of scripture, theology, and life. We hope you join us!

REFLECT: Tapestry Worship Service | Sundays in Trotter Chapel

Gain a fresh perspective as you question, listen, and see God through non-traditional and interactive worship.

LEARN: Perspectives Podcast | Sundays

Featuring two of our pastors talking theology, life, and faith.

DISCUSS: Convergence | Sundays at 12 PM in Trotter Chapel

Join our in-person or online Convergence Discussion Groups to talk about the themes from Tapestry and Perspectives. This is our reimagined Pastors Bible Study.

Perspectives Podcast: Live Q & A with Rev. Hannah

Mon. May 19 | 4 PM | Patreon Gold Members | Sign Up

Grab your favorite snack and drink and join Rev. Trudy for a live "Ask Me Anything" Perspectives Podcast Happy Hour. This is your opportunity to ask her about everything and anything – what has been her favorite Perspectives episode, what is her favorite Bible verse, how did she get into ministry, what would be her dream vacation?

This event is for our Patreon Gold-level subscribers as a thank you for supporting our digital Bible study ministry. You can learn more and join when you visit patreon.com/fumcsd.

Become a Patreon

Join for free or upgrade to Silver / Gold

Enjoy our Perspectives Pastors Podcast? Want to discuss it with others online? Then we invite you to join us on Patreon at patreon.com/fumcsd, where you can discuss the ideas from each episode, access some additional resources, and help support our digital ministry.

When you become a free member, you’ll unlock the ability to discuss answers posed in each week’s podcast episode. There is also an option to unlock some extras by becoming a paid supporter at $5 or $10 per month.

Prayers of the People

Pray for church family

Weds, 9:30 AM | Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Heart of Christianity

Member-led book study

Sundays, 11 AM | Zoom

Register for Zoom

Support UMC of Tanzania

Join our Global Missions Task Force in prayer and support.

During the month of April, the Global Missions Task Force is holding up our two missionaries in Tanzania, Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi and his wife, Kabaka Ndala Alphonsine, in prayer and support.

Since they were here in March of 2024, they have continued starting and growing congregations in several cities. They have built or completed three large churches using the funds we raised for them last year. Mutwale writes, "Gospel campaigns, crusades and seminars are being organized in all districts." Kabaka is training groups of women in their rights and in self-sufficiency. They are using the guest house for these trainings and many Bible studies, so people can come for a few days. They expect the guest house to bring in income now. Young people are encouraged to go to school; some of the mission funds help them with tuition. Five Tanzanians have been sent to the Africa University in Zimbabwe to study theology; they need funds for computers and transportation. The preschool for orphans still does not have a minibus to bring the children to school.

Please lift Mutwale and Kabaka in your prayers. Consider contributing to the Tanzania Mission fund; donations can be made online or by check. Have questions? Look for members of the Global Missions Task Force in the coffee hour during April!

Samaritan Store

Thank for your continued donations!

We're seeking donations to help fill the clothing closet, food bags, and hygiene kits that we make available to our neighbors in need. Here are some items that would be especially helpful: Men's jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts; towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, blankets, bottled water, tuna (cans or packets), fruit cups, and Vienna sausages.

Donations can be brought to the church office on Sundays and during the week. If you are donating canned foods, please look for pull tab tops for easy opening.

Cal-Pac Fire Relief

Join us in prayer and relief efforts

We continue to pray for the congregations and communities recently impacted by fire. Cal-Pac is sharing updates and ways to support those in LA. You can find the most recent details online at: www.calpacumc.org/lafires2025/

Help at Cherokee Point Community Events

Find events and register to help online.

Cherokee Point is looking for community volunteers to help at fun events throughout the year. Sign up to help at one or many – it's a fun way to connect with families in the community!

Get Your Free Name Tag

Sunday | 9-10 AM | Linder Lounge

Our church members would love to get to know you – so they're offering free name tags to help with the process! Look for a table inside Linder Lounge (near the donuts) on Sundays after service. You'll find free name tags and volunteers who can help add your name. Questions? Contact Mike Sisson.

Get to know your church neighbors!

North Park / South Park / University Heights / Normal Heights / Kensington

Wed. Apr. 23 | 12 PM | Sardina's Italian Restaurant and Bar 1129 Morena Blvd, San Diego CA 92110 | RSVP Richard or Laurie Willis

Serra Mesa / Mission Valley

Thurs. Apr. 24 | 5:30 PM | Elijah's Restaurant 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite 213, San Diego CA 92111 | RSVP Bill or Barbara Horton

North County Neighborhood Group

Sat. April 26 | 12 PM | Filippi's Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch 9969 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego CA 92131 | RSVP Carol Blessing | New folks are always welcome! Please bring cash for lunch payment.

Hillcrest / Mission Hills Neighborhood Group

Sat. April 26 | 11 AM | Jo's Diner 807 West Washington St, San Diego CA 92103 (corner of W. Washington and Falcon) | RSVP Nick Hubsmith

Young Adults 4th Sunday Brunch

Sun. Apr. 27 | 12:30 PM | Izakaya Sakura in Kearny Mesa (3904 Convoy St #121, San Diego, CA 92184)| If you're a younger adult (20's to 40's) and want to connect, join us every 4th Sunday! We meet at different local eateries – email Jason Tucker for more details.

Senior 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 Ginger: 858-302-9592 (no texts).

New! First Friday Fellowship

Fri. May 2 | 8 AM | Lower Sanctuary Meeting Room (Library) & Zoom | RSVP

Join our First Friday fellowship group, designed for our church family enjoying their “silver” years! This new group will meet once a month for fellowship and to grow together in faith, celebrating birthdays and life events, discussing life’s challenging moments, laughing at our funny stories, and encouraging each other through prayer. Join us online via Zoom or meet with us in person. Questions? Contact Bruce Johnson (619-540-9997) or Nick Hubsmith (619-997-7120).

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel

Hope for Planet Earth: Are we too far gone?

Scripture: Isaiah 24:4-6

Let’s gather together to check out the resources of hope at our disposal and create a safe space with others to rest in that hope.

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: K-5

Please sign your kids in in the Lower Sanctuary before the start of service.

We start in the Sanctuary for 9 AM Traditional Worship and then leave as a group immediately following A Time With Children. Parents pick up kids from The Cove immediately following service. No Sunday School on the 1st Sunday of the month – kids are encouraged to worship with their family and participate in Communion.

Middle School and High School students are invited to sit together in the Sanctuary every Sunday to worship as a group!

MUSIC PROGRAMS | SUNDAYS | REGISTER

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

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

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

Contact Dana Zimbric for more info.

Now Enrolling Infants Through Pre-Kindergarten

CGC has openings! Call 619-295-1915 or visit fumcsd.org/cgc

Our school is accepting new students ages 0 - 5! Please share with your friends, family, and neighbors who have kids. Details about the school are available online at fumcsd.org/cgc or you can call 619-295-1915 to speak with the school staff and learn more.

ACOLYTES | Grades 4-12

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

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

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.

Prayers & Squares Quilt Prep & Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. of the month: May 2 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 2

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

Easter Offering

25% will go toward pro bono legal support for refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of crime | Give Now

This year, we'll share our Easter Offering with Casa Cornelia Law Center, a local nonprofit that has been providing legal assistance to immigrants in our community since 1992 and has been essential for people working to navigate the legal system with weekly, sometimes daily, changes in policy. Let us welcome the sojourner and share new life through Christ’s resurrection!

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

4/13/25, Sunday in-person services (9 & 11 AM)

Combined number of attendees: 360

4/13/25, livestreamed service

Unique viewers: 270

Avg. watch-time: 23:09

First Church YouTube subscribers: 3,374

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.

Hosting an event? We have space available!

Contact David Patterson for details, including exclusive pricing.

Hi folks! I’m David Patterson, the Events Coordinator here at First Church. Throughout the year, we host an amazing variety of events—concerts, art shows, book presentations, and more!

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.

Let’s make your next event unforgettable! Send me an email at dpatterson@fumcsd.org, and we’ll start planning together. I can’t wait to help you create something special!