We are grateful for our 2021 Veterans at First Church
Photo Credit: Robert E. Lang. Nov. 14, 2021
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"... we all have a chance and obligation to add light to the darkness..." this year we are part of a national campaign to “Shine A Light” on antisemitism. Here in San Diego we are engaging non-Jewish clergy in dialogue around antisemitism and working to strengthen “allyship” across the region. Happy Hanukkah!
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Christmas Midday Pipes
Wednesday, Dec. 8 | 12:15 PM | Sanctuary and Live-stream
A Holiday program with audience participation led by Jason Klein-Mendoza, Organist, St. James' Episcopal Church, South Pasadena. This concert will be in-person and live-streamed on YouTube at fumcsd.org/watch-live or at First Church YouTube Channel. This series is sponsored by the First Church Cultural Events Committee, and each performance will be approximately 45 minutes long.
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A Family Christmas Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 11 | 1 - 3 PM | Linder Hall and Patio
Cost: $15 adults/$5 children 12 and under
The United Methodist Women invite you to A family Christmas Celebration of Christmas carols and music entertainment by "Martin Luther King Community Choir," and Christmas games for all ages. Join us for tea, coffee and snacks.
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UMW NEED YOUR SUPPORT - Please register today! If register online is a deterrent,
please call the church office 619-297-4366 and register over the phone.
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Beware of Scammers!
We have just been alerted there is a scam email out there pretending to be from Rev. Trudy, asking for gift cards to support women’s cancer research. Please DO NOT RESPOND and please spread the words to let others know that this is a scam. Rev. Trudy would never send emails to members asking congregants to purchase gift cards and provide card numbers back to her via email.
Linda Hawk, Controller/Business Manager
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Christmas Poinsettias Donation
Poinsettias will decorate the Sanctuaries in Mission Valley and Water's Edge in Ocean Beach from December 19 through the holidays. Donation is $15/plant. Please submit your order by noon on Monday, Dec. 13. A printed donation form is available at church for those who prefer to pay with a check or cash.
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Angels Wanted for Christmas Eve Services
Sixth-grade through college-age young men and women needed for all services, veteran angels welcomed for; Pageant at 5 PM, Lessons and Carols at 7 and 9 PM. Please email Samantha Owens or Kenton Hundley if you are able to serve or have questions.
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Extra Volunteers Needed
With the holidays upon us, we will be busily preparing for Christmas at the church and we need many volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact Demmie Divine or Artcel.
Pew pockets preparers - Date TBD
Bulletin stuffers - week of Date TBD
Candlelight prep helpers Date TBD
Poinsettia display decorators - Friday, Dec. 17
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Share Your Nativity with the Congregation!
If you have some nativity scenes, we invite you to share your collection with our congregation. During the 4th week of Advent we will have a safe display of nativity scenes inside the windows of Linder Lounge. To take part please click on the link below to find out more. We ask that you bring your Creche set to the church office weekdays, during office hours (9 AM - 4 PM) through Friday Dec. 10, or to Linder Patio following the service on Sunday, Dec. 12.
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A CHRISTMAS WRAPPED IN LOVE |
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Christmas is all about love. God’s love for us. Our love for others. From this love, gifts are given, wrapped in expressions of endearment, acts of appreciation, time spent in companionship, openness of heart, and moments of generous touch. Join us in preparing and celebrating a Christmas wrapped in love. |
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Polar Express Movie Night
Friday, Dec. 10 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Linder Patio | Pre-K -5th grade
Students 1st invites their Kids First peers for a Friday night of fun Christmas movie traditions. Bring your Kids First Kids child(ren) Pre-K-5th grade, to Linder Lounge and Patio where the teens will “host” a night of Christmas fun, fellowship, and film. We will follow all Covid protocols currently in place at First Church.
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Annual Alternative Christmas Gift Fair
Sunday, Dec. 12 | 10 - 11 AM | Linder Hall
Our fair gives you a better alternative to Christmas shopping. We invite you to "purchase" symbolic gifts which will fund the work of our Ministries' of Compassion and Justice. We will give you a holiday card to give your loved one, and the price of what you would have spent on more stuff will enable amazing things to happen for others. Our online store is open now through Christmas.
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Virtual Angel Tree
Through December 12
Put a smile on the face of a child of an incarcerated parent by participating in Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program. Choose a child on the web page, and your donation of $25 will purchase a gift card to be sent directly to the child.
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Midday Gathering Christmas Luncheon
Wednesday, Dec. 15 | 12 PM | RSVP by Dec. 13
Join us for lunch at King's Fish House (825 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA.) Bring your most festive self and the cost to cover your food.
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Blue Christmas Service
Sunday, Dec. 19 | 4 - 5 PM | Trotter Chapel, Mission Valley
For those experiencing the loneliness and isolation that comes with losing a loved one. A service that reflects on a message of hope and God's love during this difficult season.
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Pilgrimage through Mission Valley Campus
Sunday, Dec. 19 - Saturday, Dec. 25 | 8:30 - 5 PM | More...
We remember Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem with a pilgrimage on the Mission Valley Campus. A self-guided, mapped, route takes you to 12 places to pause for reflection.
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"An Advent Wrapped in Love"
Daily devotional through Dec. 24
A daily Advent devotional, written by members of our congregations in Mission Valley and OB, is now available on our website and Facebook and if you like to receive the devotional in your email every morning during Advent, click the link below to subscribe.
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Christmas Eve Services in Mission Valley & OB |
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5 PM - Christmas Pageant and Candle Lighting | Mission Valley Sanctuary | Childcare
7 PM - Lessons, Carols and Candle Lighting - Jubilee Singers | Mission Valley Sanctuary | Childcare
7 PM - Christmas Eve with Water's Edge | The Band | Ocean Beach Campus
9 PM - Lessons, Carols and Candle Lighting - Chancel Choir | Mission Valley Sanctuary
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RACIAL JUSTICE GRANTEES - 2021/22 |
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New Racial Justice Grants Awarded
We are thrilled to share the six recipients of First Church’s 2021-2022 Racial Justice Grants, totaling $60,000. These organizations were careful chosen by the Racial Justice Grants Committee out of the 17 applications we received this year. In the coming year, we look forward to sharing our volunteer efforts and more to support the work of these impactful local organizations.
These grants were made possible by the Racial Justice Endowment Fund established by the Church Council and Board of Trustees in 2020, and by the generous contributions of several key donors to the cause of racial justice in our community.
To learn more about the grants process or how you can contribute, contact Jason Tucker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at jtucker@fumcsd.org
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LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
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New Pastor's Bible Study:
Unwrapping the Themes of Advent
Wednesdays through Dec. 22 | 10:30 AM | Linder Hall or by Zoom
Rev. Trudy leads an Advent Bible Study that unwraps some of the deeper meanings of the nativity story. Using the familiar story as a launchpad to other biblical passages, we will explore themes of God’s call, biblical dreams as a means of seeing new possibilities, reversals in scripture, and God’s reach as it expands to care for those beyond the fold and speak to nations across the world. Rev. Trudy includes inspiration from the arts to see these themes in a different light. Sign up to be a part of the Pastor’s Bible Study email list below.
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Monday Night Book Club
Mondays, 7-8 PM
Ongoing
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Koinonia
1st Friday of the month
8 AM
via Zoom
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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
Thursdays, 12 PM
Zoom-only
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Heart of Christianity
Sundays, 10:30 AM
via Zoom
Now reading :One Life to Give by John Fanestil.
Members of the class suggest books to read and also take turns leading the discussions.
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A Virtual Neighborhood Gathering with our Online Community
Wednesday, Dec. 8 | 6 - 7:30 PM | RSVP for Zoom Invite
Rev. Hannah brings church to wherever you are, offering connection with others in our online community who live outside the San Diego area. We would love to know where you are, how you've been able to engage with the First Church, and how we can continue to support your spiritual life.
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SUNDAY - December 12
WORSHIP INFO
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Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
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Wear a Mask and Come Early!
God's Holy Presence - 3rd Advent
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. Please wear a mask.
Join us in person or watch the 10:15 Live-stream from OB
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Coffee and Donuts Wrapped in Love!
Sundays | 8:30 - 11 AM | Linder Lounge
Cost: Corner Bakery Coffee $2/Donut Free. Pay with cash or credit card.
First Church has started a pilot program for Advent designed to satiate our sweet tooth and our caffeine addiction….yep! Coffee is being served. We invite you to show your spirit of hospitality by signing up to bring donuts for a future date. Sign ups will be available at Linder Lounge on Sunday mornings. Be sure to linger on Linder Patio to visit with new and old friends. We’ll see you there!
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Sunday Fellowship for online worshipers | 10 - 11 AM
Join others from our online community following the 9 AM service. Register below to receive a Zoom invitation.
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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
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Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry
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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. Information: email Pastor Tamara.
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Deaths: Check our website for weekly updates regarding deaths, memorial services and funerals.
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CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES |
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Job Openings at First Church
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MUSIC
The Director of Children’s Music provides leadership, guidance, and direction for the music education programming for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade that is aligned with First Church’s mission and vision. Last day to apply is Jan. 10, 2022.
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Upper Room 2022 Daily Devotion
We have a limited number of copies of the 2022 Daily Devotion from the Upper Room available for purchase ($15) in the Church Office.
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM
Memorial Garden Hours
Monday - Friday - 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday - 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8 AM - 4 PM
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Thanksgiving Offering
There’s still time to give to our Thanksgiving Offering this year! As you share your gratitude for the blessings God has given this Thanksgiving week, First Church will also share God's bounty with the community. 25% of our Thanksgiving Offering this year will be donated to Christie's Place, a center for women, children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.
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Giving
Budgeted Giving as of Nov. 28: $2,011,591.00
Actual Giving as of Nov. 28: $1,934,206.00
(Pledges, record of giving, unrestricted gifts, interest earnings, and contributions from the Children's Growing Center, Ocean Beach and our leased properties at both locations.)
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
11/28 Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley 9 AM, Ocean Beach 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: ---
11/28 Sunday live-streamed services
Real-time viewers: 332
Avg. watch-time: 10:47 min.
First Church YouTube Subscribers:1171 (+1)
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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