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Coming Events
Is There More to Life Than This?
 Do you or your friends ask these kinds of questions? What am I doing here? Have you had successes, but you still feel empty? Are you struggling and yearn for more to life? Come investigate Christianity in a non-threatening, fun environment where life’s first order questions are discussed.
Alpha is a short, practical introduction to the Christian faith where we explore what faith means in our everyday lives. There is an Introductory Celebration Dinner party on Wednesday, September 8, featuring Jason Tucker playing the guitar. Come and see if Alpha is right for you and your guests.
The course begins two weeks later on September 22 and runs through December 1. On Saturday, October 30 there will be a Holy Spirit Retreat. We will be leading the course with a team. Each evening begins with supper at 6 p.m., includes a video, and the small group discussions end at 8:30 p.m. There are brochures available in the office and you may register there or on-line.
There is no cost for the first night; thereafter the catered meals are $6. Space is limited so please sign up early. There is free childcare with advance registration.
We look forward to a lively and fun experience together. Invite a friend. www.fumcsd.org/alpha.
– Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle
New Adult Christian Education Classes starting in September
 Expanding the Gospel
Sundays, September 19 - October 24
at 9:30 a.m. in Linder Lounge
Led by Rev. Gregory LaDue
C. S. Lewis once said, “I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and virtue, yet it leads you on, out of all that, into something beyond."
Something beyond ... something beyond morality and guilt. What might that something be? We will look at what else ”The Good News” (Gospel) might be and another way to see Jesus and his message. Join us as we explore together.
 Unbinding Your Soul
Sundays, September 19 - November 7
at 9:30 a.m. in Linder Hall 4
Led by Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle
Are you looking for a place to speak honestly with others, pray and explore new ideas? Unbinding Your Soul offers 40 days of prayer and discussion of matters of life and faith. Whether you participated in Unbinding Your Heart or not, you are welcome.
 The Legend of Bagger Vance
Wednesdays, September 22 - October 13,
at 6:30 p.m.
in The Cove, United Methodist Center
Led by Rev. Gregory LaDue
This Robert Redford film adaptation of Steven Pressfield’s novel, will be the focus of a four-week study. All religious pursuit uses metaphor and symbols to access deeper spiritual and psychological truths. The class will focus on spiritual and psychological lessons depicted in the film which uses a golf match as a metaphor. We will view the film together the first night and then over the next three Wednesdays examine its deeper message.
Pondering Preaching Passages
Wednesdays, September 22 - December 8, at 6:30 p.m.
in Linder Hall 4
 Led by Rev. Jim Standiford
Want to study the Bible passages that form the foundation of each Sunday's sanctuary sermons? Plan to attend Jim Standiford's Wednesday night class. Each week the class will consider the passage(s) to be read and preached upon the next Sunday. Jim will provide some basic background material and the class will be invited to share their insights. Perhaps your story will be in the Sunday sermon!
The Alpha Course
Wednesdays, September 22 -
December 1
at 6:00 p.m. (dinner), 6:40 (course) in Linder Lounge
September 8 no obligation Introductory Celebration Dinner; optional Holy Spirit Retreat October 30
Led by Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle
The Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with an optional day retreat. It is low-key, friendly and fun — and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.
Learn more or register now ...
 Disciple 1
Sundays, starting September 26, at 11:00 a.m.
in Linder Lounge
Led by Rev. Elbert Kim
If you are seeking a good introduction to the Bible and want to gain a basic knowledge of Bible themes, Rev. Elbert Kim's Disciple 1 class is your passport to an informative and inspirational Biblical journey.
John McDermott to sing here Sunday September 12
 John McDermott, widely known for his work on PBS as one of the original Irish Tenors, will sing "Amazing Grace" and "How Deep the Father’s Love" at Sunday’s second service on September 12. Joining him will be his guitarists, Jason Fowler and Brian MacMillan.
Mr. McDermott, a friend of First Church member George Mitrovich, is coming to San Diego to perform at The City Club’s 35th Anniversary Celebration at Point Loma Nazarene University (information at, www.cityclubofsandiego.com).
A three-time Grammy Award winner, John McDermott grew up in Canada, where he continues to live, but like John Wesley, has made the world his parish. One of 12 children, he is deeply devoted to charitable causes, not least in assisting Canadian and American soldiers of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars through the McDermott House. In addition, the proceeds of his CD, "Journeys", went to Canadian families that have lost loved ones in the two wars.
First Church is honored to welcome John McDermott to our 9:30 service, Sunday, September 12.
September 12, 15 and 19
New Chapel Organ Dedication and Demonstration Recitals
 Rejoice in Our Chapel Organ
Our new Chapel Organ is a little miracle -- small enough to be appropriate for that space, yet remarkably versatile and flexible. We are truly blessed!
Because it will be used primarily for small weddings, memorial services, and children’s church, the majority of our congregation may never get to hear it. To remedy this, Bob Plimpton will play a demonstration concert three times: Sunday, September 12, at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m., following Vespers and our Wednesday evening meal; and Sunday, September 19, at 12:15 p.m.
To equalize the audience and assure people of a seat, complimentary tickets will be distributed in the patio beginning Sunday, August 22, and in the office during the week.
Plan to attend one of these programs and celebrate with us the beauty of this gift.
Press release with complete details...
Sunday, September 12, 2010 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Linder Lounge
Financial and Estate Planning Seminar to Feature Panel of First Church Experts!
This Seminar features a panel of First Church members with a long history of providing financial and estate planning advice to our congregation:
- Mark Conrad, Certified Financial Planner, Retired
- Kent Hildreth, Probate & Trust Attorney, Retired
- Kirk Sheldon, Certified Financial Planner
- Mark Zatt, Probate & Trust Attorney
Come draw on their wealth of experience and share in their knowledge on:
- Financial and estate planning opportunities taken and missed
- The importance of up-to-date and accurate beneficiary information
- Long and short term goal setting
- Wealth accumulation—when should one start saving?
A Question and Answer session will follow the panel discussion. Refreshments will be served. For childcare please call the church office (619) 297-4366 no later than the preceding Thursday. Pre-registration is preferred; however, walk-ins welcome! Sign up in the church office or call (619) 297-3442.
The Financial and Estate Planning Seminar is sponsored by the Endowment Development Committee.
 The Legend of Bagger Vance
All this summer we have been looking at Heroes of the Bible. What is a Hero? What does this Archetype mean? What is an archetype? The Hero/Heroine Path is a favorite of novel and film and tells us the journey ... really our journey. All religious pursuit uses metaphor and symbols to access deeper spiritual and psychological truths.
Beginning Wednesday September 22 in the Cove we will explore this path using the Robert Redford film The Legend of Bagger Vance . The class will focus on spiritual and psychological lessons depicted in the film which uses a golf match as a metaphor.
We will examine the symbols used in the film that relate a deeper message about the inner life. We will view the film together the first night and then over the next three Wednesdays examine its deeper message.
Come and join me in this examination of symbol, myth and spirit.
Rev Greg LaDue
 Claiming the Promise
"Claiming the Promise," an 8-week Bible Study on homosexuality, led by Rev. Molly Vetter and Paula Hui, begins on Sunday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room (northwest side) of United Methodist Center.
Sign-ups begin on September 12 on the Plaza and on the following Sundays on the Patio and outside The Cove (1st floor of UM Ctr.). Or email Rev. Molly Vetter for more information or to register.
Sponsored by All God's Children. Class will use a workbook, $6.00.
Young Adults@First Church
@service @study @play
@Study: "Living Our Beliefs the UM Way" meets Sundays through August at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Meeting Room. We all come from different backgrounds and cultures and yet we're all Methodist. Whether you are a life-long or new United Methodist, find out what makes our identity so unique. Come explore and discuss this concept with us as we dive deeper into how we are "Living Our Beliefs."
Young Adults Mountain Retreat: We’ve had a great time this summer @Study, @Service, and @Play. Now we’re combining all three in the form of a retreat in Julian. On Friday and Saturday, August 27 and 28, we’ll carpool up to the mountains and spend some time working with the National Parks Service, hanging out, and talking about the important stuff.
Join us on our Meetup or Facebook pages, or check us out online for more info and to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!
Events all summer long! For more information and schedule go to www.fumcsd.org/youngadults.
Senior Singles!
On Sunday September 19, immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service, you are invited to attend a gathering of senior singles for a luncheon with your peers in Linder Hall 2. This is a social time and not a Bible study class.
Come and meet others who are 60 years old and up in a fun and relaxed atmosphere of friendship and feasting.
There will be a small cost for the catered luncheon.
Affirming the Promise, a support group focusing on LGBT and faith issues led by Sharon Bowles, meets the fourth Monday of every month at 8:00 p.m. in Linder Lounge. Persons may also want to attend the PFLAG general session at 7:00 p.m. in the Cove that meets on the same day of the month. Focus topics for PFLAG are announced in advance and are quite helpful and insightful.
Adult Choir Ministry
 Please consider joining us for one of our multiple adult choir ministry offerings; no audition required
Chancel Choir - sings weekly at our 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 sanctuary worship services as well as two choral concerts with the Masterwork Chorale (see below), beginning Sunday, September 12. Rehearsals begin Thursday September 9 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Sutherland Family Music Center.
Masterwork Chorale - sings two choral concerts of major works per year (December and spring) with our Chancel Choir, Vocal Quartet and members of the San Diego Symphony. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, September 14 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the Sutherland Family Music Center; $35 registration fee, plus cost of music scores. Performance on Sunday December 5 at 7:00 p.m. featuring Benjamin Britten's "St. Nicolas," Antonio Vivaldi's "Magnificat," and carols arranged by John Rutter.
Contemporary Singers - sing approximately once per month at the 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. sanctuary worship services rehearsals begin Tuesday September 7 from 6:30-7:20 p.m. in the Sutherland Family Music Center.
Adult Bell Choir - 6 weeks of rehearsals from 5:15-6:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, October 7th in the children's/handbell choir rehearsal room (basement of sanctuary); ability to read music required.
Learn more about adult choirs...
Learn about children's and youth choirs...
 Urban Gleaning
Poor people in San Diego struggle to access good, nutritious food while fruit and other produce goes to waste in yards around town. We aim to change that.
People have gleaned since Biblical times, gathering a portion of leftover harvest to share with people in need.
Our Earth Care group, in collaboration with the Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry invites you to help feed our community in a new kind of urban gleaning. We have 3 easy ways to participate:
- If you have extra produce in your garden and yard, bring it to church and donate it to the food ministry
- If you have a tree that produces more fruit than you can use, let us harvest your tree
- If you are wanting to help and able-bodied, help harvest trees in others' yards
You can find out more information about this project online, at www.fumcsd.org/UrbanGleaning. We hope you'll help change our community by reclaiming surplus food to meet the hunger of our community with fresh, nutritious food.
Neighborhood Family Meals
 We continue providing and serving food and enjoying fellowship with families, teens, seniors and transients in need of a nutritious, hot meal. 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Normal Heights UMC.
The next meal will be Monday August 30.
Volunteers are needed to prepare a main dish, salad or dessert. For more information, or to sign up contact Brenda Blake.
Photo: Matthew Parker
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