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 over 125 years.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP: In-Person and Online
Masks are optional, but always acceptable and welcome. If you feel ill, please choose to worship from home online.
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!
Advent 2023
During Advent, we invite you to celebrate the season, inviting new life to be born in you at this time when we need it most. It is the gift of God’s grace, bringing salvation to all. This year we celebrate the theme “Sing A New Song!”
To see a list of ways to engage and move through the holiday season, see below, and visit the website:
www.santamonicaumc.org/advent
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!
GROUPS AND EVENTS
First UMC Christmas Concert
Watch the Recording!
All are welcome!
PRAYER
First Fridays of the Month,
from 1 p.m. -3 p.m.
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 Mission page, click here
FIRST UMC PRESCHOOL
Preschool enrollment is ongoing! 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
“Every one of us has the capacity to be compassionate towards one another. Seems to me that that’s a good guiding light for us now, especially in these fraught times, times when the problems of the world can seem overwhelming and intractable. A plumbline for those of us who are disciples of Christ Jesus, striving to live out love of God/love of neighbor in who we are and all we do and say. To be compassionate towards one another. Love of God/love of neighbor. One plus one equals one….”
– Rev. Patricia Farris, excerpt from “Be the Hope, Be the Light” Sermon from October 22, 2023. Read sermon
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 – December 2023
The music, Scriptures, sights and sounds of the Advent season tune our hearts to a new song of God’s loving presence and intention for our lives and for our world. God is sending out angels, Mark’s Gospel reminds us, singing a new story.
Here at First UMC, from the Christmas Concert to the lighting of the candles in the Advent wreath, to opportunities for outreach and Mission through Alternative Christmas and Angel Tree, and opportunities for fellowship at the Advent Brunch and UWF Christmas Boutique, we’ll hear the ancient/new melodies stirring in our hearts and lifting our spirits to the broad reach of heaven’s skies. The angels are there, singing, singing a new song of comfort and joy…
Rev. Patricia Farris, from the December Sentinel. Read full post here
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