eNEWS - November 22, 2021
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In Support of World AIDS Day
Sunday, Nov. 28 | Linder Patio | before and after the service | $2
World AIDS Day takes place on Dec. 1 each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day. The Proud United Methodist Alliance (PUMAs) will have red ribbons available before after the service for those who would like to wear one on Sunday, November 28 at both Mission Valley and OB campuses. The recommended donation for each ribbon is $2 and all proceeds will go to support Christie's Place in helping to empower women, children, families and individuals whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.
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Younger Adults 4th Sunday Brunch
Sunday, Nov. 28 | 12 - 1:30 PM | The Station in North Park (2204 Fern St. San Diego, CA 92104). If you're a younger adult (20's through 40's) and want to connect with others in our multi-campus church family, join us every 4th Sunday after worship for food and community! We'll be meeting in person this month at The Station and we are looking forward to seeing you soon. Email Jason Tucker or call 619-929-8378 to sign up for updates or if you have any questions!
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Midday Gathering: "Zero Waste" The Sierra Club of San Diego
Wednesday, Dec. 1 |12:15 PM | Linder Hall & Zoom
Speaker: Ron Askeland, Chair San Diego Sierra Club Zero Waste Subcommittee. Ron will give an overview of the Sierra Club's work in San Diego and nationally, their conservation committees priorities and accomplishments. We will learn about the "Zero Waste" efforts and more.
The San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club is San Diego’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization, Founded in 1948, the San Diego Chapter seeks to preserve the special nature of the San Diego and Imperial Valley area through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
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The Passion Play of Oberammergau 2022
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 10:30 AM | Linder 5
All are welcome to attend our first informational meeting and learn more about the planned trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play (5/24 to 6/4, 2022) led by Rev. Trudy.
For nearly four centuries The Passion Play of Oberammergau, a moving narrative of Christ’s final Passion, has inspired millions of Christians worldwide. The chance to attend the play is the dream of a lifetime—one that can only be fulfilled once every ten years.
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LINDER PATIO REMODEL UPDATE
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In 2019, the Board of Trustees approved funding for the Hospitality Makeover Project. Much progress has taken place since then and we are pleased to provide the following update on Linder Patio, as we gather in person and welcome groups back to our campus.
To date, we have replaced the concrete and added shade sails. They have made the space much more usable, especially during the warm months and allowed us to offer meals outdoors to keep all participants safe. We have also installed lights to make the space even more inviting in the evening hours.
Amy Kerrigan, Director of Facilities and Events, has shared our vision for Linder Patio with a landscape architect, who also happens to be a member of First Church. He has already designed the landscaping for the beds and a retaining wall for the South bed with an attached bench. This design includes an irrigation plan that connects to our current system.
We are looking at options for above ground planters throughout the area and adding a second bench to the north side. New signage is also included and we are exploring ways to provide outdoor furniture that will allow for maximum flexibility to accommodate various arrangements.
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Coffee and Donuts Wrapped in Love!
Sundays beginning Nov. 28 | 8:30 - 11 AM | Linder Lounge
Cost: Corner Bakery Coffee - $2/Donut - Free.
First Church is beginning a pilot program for Advent designed to satiate our sweet tooth and our caffeine addiction….yep! Coffee will be served. Stop by Linder Lounge starting November 28, 8:30 - 11 AM. Pay cash or use your credit card for a touch-free purchase, and enjoy a $2 cup of “not-your-typical-church-coffee” coffee from Corner Bakery and a free delicious donut. 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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Advent Devotional
Nov. 28 - Dec. 24
This year Advent begins Sunday, November 28 and we are preparing a daily Advent devotional authored by members of our congregations in Mission Valley and OB. It will be available on our website and Facebook and if you would like to receive the devotional in your email every morning during Advent, click the link below to subscribe.
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New Pastor's Bible Study:
Unwrapping the Themes of Advent
Wednesdays, Dec. 1 -22 | 10:30 AM | Linder Hall or by Zoom
Rev. Trudy returns to lead 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 will include 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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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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Annual Alternative Christmas Gift Fair
Sundays, Dec. 5 and 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 will be open as well if you prefer to shop online.
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Heaven and Nature Sing
Sunday, Dec. 5 | 7 PM | Sanctuary | Offering
Music Series presents "Christmas Melodies: Merry and Bright", an eclectic musical program of seasonal offerings, including audience participation, featuring First Church Vocal Quartet: Amy Mein, Soprano. Patricia McAfee, Mezzo-Soprano. Timothy Simpson, Tenor. Christopher Stephens, Bass with Jaebon Hwang, Collaborative Artist. Free childcare by advance reservation: 619-297-4366.
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Christmas Midday Pipes
Wednesday, Dec. 8 | 12:15 PM | Sanctuary and Live-stream
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ADVENT PROGRAMS for FAMILIES
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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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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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LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
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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
In-person & Zoom
Linder 4
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.
Among all the changes this pandemic has brought forth, our growing online community is one of them. As part of a series of in-person neighborhood gatherings, First Church is reaching out to you, who reside in our online church neighborhood, to gather virtually. Get comfortable, make a TV dinner or hot cocoa, and log on with an openness to meet others who worship with you online.
We would love to know where you are, how you've been able to engage with First Church, and how we can continue to support your spiritual life.
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SUNDAY - November 28
WORSHIP INFO
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Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
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Wear a Mask and Come Early!
God's Voice - 1st 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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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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Caregiving & the Holidays From Stress to Success
Free virtual health program sponsored by HHSA and presented by the San Diego Caregiver Coalition. This conference provides information, advice and support for those caring for loved ones across the age spectrum. Workshop attendees will receive hands-on advice for his or her caregiving challenges.
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CHURCH BUSINESS & NOTICES
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2022 Stewardship Campaign Update 11/18
Since Consecration Sunday, we’ve reached 78% of our goal of 375 pledges and $1,300,000 pledged for our ministries in 2022! There is still time to make a pledge for next year’s giving, and we encourage all to choose a giving level that is spiritually meaningful to their households. Even if you’re continuing your giving at your 2021 levels, please let us know your intentions for next year!
Total pledges = 275 households
Total amount = $976,055
Average pledge/year = $3,549 ($296 per month)
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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
Thanksgiving holiday: closed Thursday and Friday 11/25-26.
Memorial Garden Hours
Monday - Friday - 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday - 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8 AM - 4 PM
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Giving
Budgeted Giving as of Nov. 14: $1,901,503.00
Actual Giving as of Nov. 14: $1,864,486.00
(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
11/14 Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley 9 AM, Ocean Beach 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 289
11/14 Sunday live-streamed services
Real-time viewers: 352
Avg. watch-time: 12 min.
First Church YouTube Subscribers:1162 (+5)
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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