Welcome to First UMC of Santa Monica
Friends near and far, welcome to the worship, service, and fellowship of Santa Monica First United Methodist Church. First UMC is committed to a ministry that touches the lives of people in many significant ways. Through our worship and music, study opportunities, social groups, mission involvement and ministries of care, we proclaim the good news of God’s love for all people. We also work to help make the world a better place in which to live, here in the communities of the Westside and around the world, and eagerly invite your participation in this beloved community. Our church has been a significant presence in the larger Santa Monica community for 150 years.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP: In-Person and Online
in the Sanctuary each week.
(1008 11th St. Santa Monica, CA)
First Sunday after Christmas • Family Sunday • December 28, 2025
You may join in the service Livestream in real time or later at your convenience. Let us know if you need assistance in joining online.
If you have any questions, or are having trouble joining the Sunday online worship service, call the church office at 310-393-8258, or email us at info@santamonicaumc.org. We welcome you into this community of faith!
GROUPS AND EVENTS
GIVE ONLINE
The community of First UMC Santa Monica actively works to create a place where all people are celebrated and loved for who God created them to be, where all can encounter the deep love, peace, and grace of God, and where we serve together to transform the world. Your participation is now more important than ever to fund all we do, and we appreciate your generous and faithful giving. You may give online here. Thank you!
PRAYER
MISSION
We at First UMC work in partnership with a variety of groups and organizations throughout our community and the larger UMC to bring hope and healing where it is needed most. Together we can change lives and transform the world. To view our Outreach and Missions page, click here
FIRST UMC PRESCHOOL
Preschool enrollment is OPEN NOW
Click here for form
First UMC Preschool is more than a school. It is a community of parents, teachers and staff to whom the children’s health, safety and well-being is the highest priority. The Preschool was started in 1948 and over the years has gained the reputation as one of the finest in the city. Read more: www.santamonicaumc.org/preschool
“…I am always grateful we share the sacrament of Holy Communion with one another on All Saints Sunday. Along with the bells that are tolled and the candles that are lit, the bread and cup are tangible reminders of the new life that arises out of death. We proclaim it together in our liturgy as a mystery
– Rev. Greg Batson, excerpt from “The Glorious Inheritance” Sermon from Sunday, November 2, 2025. Read the Sermon
of faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. And that is what we proclaim, without fear or anxiety, on this All Saints Sunday as we remember our loved ones and celebrate their new lives with God, as well as the promise of new life for us all. Amen.”
STAY CONNECTED
Click button above to sign up for our weekly Friday Community emails, the
monthly newsletter, Children and Family email, and more!
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Horizons: January 2026, by Pastor Greg Batson
“We usher in the New Year with the celebration of Epiphany. The celebration of the Christmas season culminates on January 6 with the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as the Messiah. The Bible story associated with this holiday is the visit of the Magi who travel to Bethlehem to welcome and honor the Christ child, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-12). We will reflect upon this story and its meaning for us in worship on January 4….”
Read this month’s Sentinel Newsletter here
Safe Sanctuaries®
First UMC takes the safety of the children and youth very seriously. We follow Safe Sanctuaries® practices, which is our commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all of our children, youth, and adults. Read More