Thank You to All Our Holy Week & Easter Volunteers!

It was such a beautiful week of reflection and worship, and it wouldn't have been possible without the help of so many.

Flowers were planted, the cross was decorated, communion bread was baked. The sanctuary was set up, cleaned up, and set up again (x4!). And, of course, all of the beautiful music, readings, helpful greeters, donut and coffee servers, and all who donated, stuffed, and hid special eggs for the kids. The list goes on and on.

Thank you ministers, staff, and volunteers for making it an extra special week for all of our regular congregants and visitors! We appreciate all of your hard work.

Racial Justice Grants Applications

We're now accepting applications for our next round of grants!

We'll award a total of $35,000 with a special focus on health care equity and mental health services. Please share with any San Diego County nonprofit that is working toward a more just and equitable San Diego, especially for our neighbors and communities of color. Details and application are available on our Racial Justice Grants webpage.

Conversations About Israel and Gaza

Presentation & Potluck | Sun. Apr. 14 | 12:30 PM | Linder Lounge | RSVP

The War in Gaza has everyone concerned, for many reasons: the rise in anti-Semitism, the rising death rates in Gaza, the continued containment of hostages and prisoners, the end of the war is not in sight. How do we think about this conflict? How do others think about it? 

Join Senior Rabbi Jason Nevarez from Congregation Beth Israel and Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego on April 14^th at 12:30 PM for a potluck, presentation, and dialogue.  Register for details.

Our second event in this series is now scheduled! Join us May 5 at 12:30 PM to hear from professor and author Gary Fields. Get the full details online.

United Women in Faith “Mile of Pennies” Drive

Bring pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars on Sundays!

UWF will collect them during Sunday coffee hours.

Did you know that a mile of pennies, laid edge to edge, equals $844.40? The Associates of New Entra Casa are sponsoring an annual celebration in June and are asking for donations of pennies. The idea is to reach a “Mile of Pennies” as a means to defray the cost of the event. 

New Entra Casa is a home and program for women working towards becoming free from addictions and in many cases, reuniting with their children. 

Dream School Updates

Keep up with the latest Dream School updates and help spread the word! Visit our DSOASD webpage to view our most recent update video. Plus, be sure to follow Dream School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsoasd/

Shoes That Fit

Thank you for your ongoing support!

The Shoes That Fit volunteers just completed their spring shoe purchase and delivery. They bought and delivered a total of 75 pairs of new shoes and socks for students at the following elementary schools (15 kids at each site): Cherokee Point, Rosa Parks, Adams, Logan Memorial, and Porter. If you'd like to get involved, get the details online.

Reflect, Learn, Discuss: Grow in 2024

New schedule starting this week!

Here's our new weekly line up: Tapestry on Sundays, Perspectives podcast on Mondays, and Convergence discussion groups on Tuesdays (online) / Wednesdays (in person). 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 | Mondays

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

DISCUSS: Convergence – Online on Tuesdays 6 PM | In Person on Wednesdays 10:30 AM

Discuss themes from Perspectives and Tapestry to shape your spiritual journey.

Prayers of the People

Pray for one another and prayer requests

Wednesdays, 9:30 AM

In-person & Zoom

Email Rev. Brittany

Heart of Christianity

Sundays

11 AM | Zoom

Book Study

Register for Zoom

Showers of Blessings

2nd Saturday: Apr. 13 | St. Paul's Cathedral Courtyard | 2728 Sixth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 

You're invited to prepare a dish and serve OR drop off donations for brown bag lunch pack. Sign up as a group to take a month! For more information, contact Katherine Stone.

Donations can be dropped off at coffee bar on Sundays or during regular office hours (9 AM - 4 PM): Oatmeal, pancake syrup, brown sugar, raisins, protein bars, juice (apple, grape, cranberry), hot sauce, brown lunch sacks, individual apple sauce. 

Donate Birthday Cards

Bring cards to church office to help Caring Hearts ministry!

Our Caring Hearts group is seeking birthday cards to send to our church members as they turn 80+ (what an achievement!). Please bring new cards to the church office.

Samaritan Store Donations

Food supplies are dwindling! Here are some staples we need:

Peanut butter, fruit cups, single-serving boxes of cereal, apple sauce, pudding cups (vanilla & chocolate).

Get to know your church neighbors!

Serra Mesa / Mission Valley

Wed. Apr. 17 | 5:30 PM | Tio Leo's 5302 Napa Street, San Diego CA 92110 | RSVP Bill Horton

Mission Hills / Hillcrest

Sat. Apr. 20 | 11 AM | Bronx Pizza 111 Washington Street, San Diego CA 92103 | RSVP Nick Hubsmith

East County

Sun. Apr. 21 | 12:15 PM | Marie Callender's 6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego CA 92120 (just off HWY 8) | RSVP Lynette Williamson

Senior Singles 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 Karen, 619-263-3743 (no texts).

Parents Forum

Sun. Apr. 14 | 10:10 - 10:30 AM | Cove (UMC building)

On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we gather to discuss Christianity and faith. Email Rev. Hannah with questions.

Childcare for infants to preschool is available during all services.

Tapestry

Sundays | 11 AM | Trotter Chapel

Becoming Better Humans: Belonging

Scriptures: Acts 1:12-15a, 21-26

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 | Kids First (Grades K-5) & Students 1st ( Grades 6-12)

Start in Sanctuary for "A Time with Children," then we head to the Cove. 

No Sunday School on the 1st Sunday of the month, when children and youth are encouraged to worship in the sanctuary with their families. Email Rev. Brittany for more info.

MUSIC PROGRAMS | 10 - 11 AM | The Cove

Primary Choir (Grades K-5): 10-10:30 AM

Secondary Voices (Grades 6-12): 10-10:30 AM

Youth Chimes (Grades 4+): 10:30-11 AM

Contact Dana Zimbric for more info.

ACOLYTES | Grades 4-12

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

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.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group

3rd Thursday of the month: Apr. 18 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Free | RSVP

Providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. If you're a caregiver, we offer you a place to feel heard, connected and empowered with those who understand this unique struggle.

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

Quilt Prep & Fellowship

1st Sat. & 3rd Thurs. of the month: Apr. 18 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Linder 4

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 Council Meeting

Sat. April 27 | 8:30 AM | Linder 4 & Online

This meeting is open to all and a great opportunity to hear updates on initiatives happening at First Church. If you aren't a Church Council member and would like to participate, please email Demmie Divine to receive the agenda and link to the meeting.  

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4 PM

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

In-person services

• 3/28/24, Maundy Thursday: 113
• 3/29/24, Good Friday: 139
• 3/31/24, Easter Sunday (9 & 11 AM): 711

Livestreamed services (real-time viewers & avg. watch time)

• 3/28/24, Maundy Thursday: 120 (17:42)
• 3/29/24, Good Friday: 210 (18:23)
• 3/31/24, Easter Sunday (9 & 11 AM): 517 (25:50)

First Church YouTube subscribers: 2,477

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.