eNEWS - September 19, 2022 |
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Stewardship Season Begins & State of the Church Presentations
On Sunday, Sept. 25, we will kick off our 2023 Stewardship Campaign, “Hope Sparks”. Make sure to tune in to worship as we celebrate the work we’ve accomplished in our ministries this year, while we look ahead to the work our hope is sparking for the coming year.
State of the Church Presentations
Join us on the Mission Valley Campus (10/2 and 10/9) to hear the latest news on the State of The Church and on Ocean Beach Campus (10/16) after the Water’s Edge service.
Mission Valley Campus
Oct. 2 | 10:15 – 10:45 AM: Small Groups and Dream School of The Arts
Oct. 9 | 10:15 – 10:45 AM: Racial Justice Grants and Affordable Housing
Ocean Beach Campus
Oct. 16 | 11:30 AM: State of the Church for All Ministry Areas
We look forward to celebrating the generosity of all our givers and all those who make our ministries possible.
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San Diego School of Christian Studies (SDSCS) Returns
Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 Curriculum: Who Is My Neighbor?
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Join us for the first lecture in the series:
Who Is My Neighbor: A Global Perspective
Who is inside the sacred circle, and who is out? And who gets to decide? How do various religions, philosophies, and wisdom traditions frame these vital questions? Join us as we explore this ancient and timely challenge.
Speaker: Professor Peter Bolland
Saturday, Sept. 24 | 10:30 AM - 12 noon | Linder Hall | RSVP by 9/22 . Following the FREE presentation, you are invited to stay for optional lunch and conversation. Cost for lunch: $12
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SDSCS relies on funding from sponsorships and donations. Become a sponsor today! |
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Welcome Worship & Reception for Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin!
Sunday, Sept. 25 | 9 and 11 services | 10 AM Linder Patio reception
This coming Sunday, 9/25, join us in worship to welcome Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin. She is the new teaching pastor at Water's Edge Faith Community at OB Campus. Rev. Brittany recently moved here from Marble Collegiate Church in New York, and she will be blessing us with her preaching at both services. Join us at Linder Patio in between services to meet and greet our newest Pastor. There will be cake to celebrate our new addition to the pastoral team.
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All-church Gathering: We Belong Together
Sunday, Sept. 25 | 12:15 - 1:45 PM | Linder Lounge and Patio | Lunch Cost: Adults, $14, Children 12 and under, $5.
After rounds of gathering with neighbors, going for walks and hikes, and getting to know more people, First Church invites you to join us for quarterly church-wide gatherings to break bread and to embark on a journey together as a faith community. Each gathering is themed around the church calendar—Pentecost, Renewal of Baptism, Easter and Pentecost again—to bring our Sunday worship experiences to our everyday life. If you worship online and would like to visit our MV campus, please consider choosing one or more of the upcoming dates.
- September 25, 2022: We Belong together RSVP by Sept. 22
- January 15, 2023: Renew RSVP by Jan. 12
- April 16, 2023: Rebirth RSVP by April 13
- June 11, 2023: Share RSVP by June 8
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2022 Women's Retreat - Seasons of Grace
Saturday, October 1 | 8:15 AM - 4 PM | Linder Hall | $40 including lunch and refreshments.
There are unexpected joys and sorrows, blessings and loss through all the stages of our lives. But how do we face these changing seasons with a pilgrim’s heart? How do we seek God’s grace and transforming presence in the midst of change?
Explore the possibilities for grace in every season of your life with our wonderful speakers, Pastors Lea Booth, Molly Vetter, and Cindy Arntson.
There will be time for fellowship, music and activities, and small group discussions. Enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch with your sisters in Christ. Free child care.
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Trevor Project Ally Training
Sunday, Oct. 9 | 12 - 1:30 PM | Linder Hall | Free Lecture. Optional lunch ($15) | Free Childcare
We are excited to welcome Penelope French from the Trevor Project as they offer our church and community an Ally Training. This training is designed to create dialogue around being an adult ally for LGBTQ youth by informing participants about common terminology, the “coming out” process, and challenges at home, in school, and the community. The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ+ young people, and this ally training can help us support the young people around us in practical and life-saving ways. Learn more at www.thetrevorproject.org
A simple lunch will be offered before the training, and we hope to have many people participate both from our multi-site church and as a resource to the broader San Diego community. Don't miss this important event. RSVP today!
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Shape the Future of First Church
Dear Members and Friends,
Tell us how God is working in your life, how you live in faith and serve others, and what you need from the church! Take this quick 5-minutes survey by clicking the red button below the video message. Your input is important!
Thank you in advance.
Rev. Trudy
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New Beginnings Membership Class Online
Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 6 -7 PM | Via Zoom
New Beginnings is the class for people interested in becoming a member and learning more about First Church and Methodism. Participants will get to know each other and meet the pastoral team, staff and leaders of the church.
Register early! Resources will be distributed electronically in advance for participants to view prior to this one time, 1-hour session. During our online gathering, presenters will highlight a few key points, followed by Q & A.
- Wesleyan History, United Methodist Theology & Discipleship
- United Methodist Connection
- First Church’s Vision & Ministry Opportunities
- Membership Next Steps and Vows
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Understanding Alzheimers' Disease
Wednesdays Sept. 21, 28
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Lounge | Free
Refreshments will be available, or you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Presentations and Q&A will be held in Linder Lounge. Please wear a mask. If you can't attend in person, join us via Zoom.
Join the New Life Counseling Center and The San Diego Alzheimer’s Association for the second class of this 3-part series to educate you on Alzheimer’s Disease and how you can help a loved one who may be struggling.
- Wednesday, 9/21: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Wednesday, 9/28: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
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Midday Gathering
Wednesday Sept. 21 | 12:15 PM | Linder 4 (also via Zoom)
Lunch with Rev. Hannah at Panini Kabob Grill, Mission Valley.
Join the group for social lunch at a local restaurant. Each person will be responsible for their own food costs. RSVP online or call the church at (619) 297-4366 by Monday, September 19.
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LEARN WITH US
Meet via Zoom & In-person
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Pastor's Bible Study Fall 2022
Wednesdays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 26 | 10:30-11:30 | Linder Hall & Zoom | RSVP for Zoom invite
Pastor’s Bible Study is getting a late start this fall, but once we begin, we’re in for a wonderful year! We are employing new resources for our studies, new presenters, and, of course, new topics. Rev. Trudy Robinson begins with “Money Talks.” A five-week discussion on money beginning September 28, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, in person & via Zoom. As one of the most important factors in life, money matters. Some have said Jesus spoke more about money than just about anything. What did he say? What did the Jewish tradition out of which Jesus comes, say about money. It might surprise you. It will bless you.
The rest of the studies this fall invite us to look at the Bible through different ethnic lenses to see how our understanding of scripture changes depending on our location. We’ll hear from Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka as she shares the lens of Asian-Americans. During Advent, Rev. Trudy Robinson will explore the Birth of Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes. We will consider Paul’s letters through an African-American perspective. We close out the year of study with a biblical and theological exploration of Christian identity. Watch for more about these studies throughout the year.
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Monday Night Book Club
Mondays, 7-8 PM
New Book study starts 8/22:
by Marcus J. Borg
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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
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Koinonia
1st Friday of the month
8 AM
via Zoom
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Heart of Christianity
Sundays, 11 AM
via Zoom
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Bottled Water Needed
Ocean Beach Emergency Food Bank Inc. is reaching out to our congregation for donations of bottled water. You may bring your donation to First Church in Mission Valley or Water's Edge in Ocean Beach. Thank you in advance
Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin
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SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 25
WORSHIP INFO
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Lead Pastor
Rev. Trudy Robinson
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Mask-wearing during indoor church activities protects you and others.
Hope Sparks: Connection
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.
Join us in person or watch the 10:15 Live-stream from OB
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Sunday Coffee and Donuts
Sundays | 10 - 11 AM | Linder Lounge
Corner Bakery Coffee $2/Donuts Free.
Cash or credit card.
Donut donations needed
Show your spirit of hospitality by signing up to pay for donuts on the easel in Linder Lounge on Sundays, or email Demmie or Linda. You may also donate to a fund to purchase donuts, link below, or send a check to the church with “Sunday donuts” in the memo.
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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
Kids First will remain after the Children’s Time at the 9 AM service until 10 AM. Students First will meet from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. We encourage children to sign up to be acolytes and students to volunteer to serve as liturgists for either worship services. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on any 5th Sunday of the month, when children and youth are encouraged to worship in the sanctuary with their families. Email Dir. of Discipleship for Children & Youth, Kenton Reaves Hundley, for more info.
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Free Online Safety Class for Students & Parents
Sunday, Oct. 9 | 10:30 -11:30 AM | The Cove and High School Rm. | RSVP by 10/7
Keeping our children safe online can be overwhelming because technology changes so rapidly. Please join the San Diego Police Foundation as they offer two in-person presentations about online safety: One aimed at parents and another presentation offered to high schoolers. In these presentations, both parents and high schools will be educated on how to make safe choices online, recognize cyber predators and understand how to navigate cyber bullying. Parent presentation will be held in the Cove. High school presentation will be held in the High School Room. Masks are encouraged.
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Annual Black Family Empowerment Day
Saturday, Sept. 24 |11 AM - 4 PM | Marie Wideman Park, 6727 Imperial Ave. San Diego
Join the JOY parade , celebrating the culture of San Diego's Black Community and the importance of strengthening the family unit. All families are welcome to share their creativity, family crest, etc. There will be Yoga Healing and Stress Reduction Workshops. "The Party" with freestyle and line dancing, live entertainment, food, DJ, Bands, Silent Auction, Special Guest Speakers, Health, Wellness, Educational Resources, give aways and various vendors, family building tools and activities throughout the day. For more info, contact San Diego Urban Warriors - one of First Church Racial Justice Grantees 2020/21 | SDUW.org | 619-252-6314
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Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry
When is a prayer quilt appropriate?
Anyone in special need of prayer is an appropriate recipient of a prayer quilt. We pray for one another in times of illness, injury, or sorrow. We also pray for them at times of great change or transition in their lives. Anyone can request a quilt for another person. We refer to the requester as the quilt’s sponsor. To sponsor a prayer quilt for someone in need of prayer, be sure to ask for their agreement to be a recipient. Ask them what prayers they need. Learn more about the Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry here and please fill out the online request form.
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Save the Dates!
October 21 & 22, 9 AM to 4 PM
Prayers & Squares Annual Fall Retreat
We will be making strip quilts or string quilts, a traditional way of making beautiful quilts from leftover fabrics. This is an easy quilt, suitable for beginners. More information to follow.
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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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Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM
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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
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
9/11, Sunday in-person services (Mission Valley 9 AM, Ocean Beach 10 AM)
Combined number of attendees: 343
9/11, Sunday 9 AM live-streamed service
Real-time viewers: 342
Avg. watch-time: 21:13
First Church YouTube subscribers: 1466 (+13)
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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