Welcome to First UMC of Santa Monica
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica! We are followers of the way of Jesus Christ: loving God, loving neighbors and offering compassion to a world in need. Rooted in the Methodist tradition of personal transformation and social justice, our community is committed to sharing God’s love, grace and hope and to the flourishing of all God’s creation. For over 150 years we have been an active presence in the Westside community and around the world.
We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We welcome you to be a part of our community and worship with us, no matter your age, race, nationality, citizenship, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ability, faith story, or economic situation.
Come and participate in beloved community – a place to belong, whoever you are, just as you are.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP: In-Person and Online
in the Sanctuary each week.
(1008 11th St. Santa Monica, CA)
6th Sunday after Pentecost • Holy Communion • July 5, 2026
You may join in the service Livestream in real time or later at your convenience. 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.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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
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
“The journey that each of us is on is sacred and holy. Only you walk these particular steps at this particular time. God has called you to some special purpose in life, and the journey you undertake is part of that purpose. Like Abraham and Sarah, we may not understand the reasons why God has called us to walk a particular path through life, but by faith we walk it nonetheless. It is that faith, that belief in the unknown, that trust in a power greater than ourselves, that gives us our ultimate meaning….”
– Rev. Greg Batson, excerpt from “Our Spiritual Family: Sacred Journey” Sermon from Sunday, June 7, 2026. Read the 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: July/August 2026, by Pastor Greg Batson
“As we enter the month of July, we begin a new season as clergy in The United Methodist Church. Pastors are appointed to their congregations and ministries annually, usually effective July 1st. I am grateful that Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank has reappointed me as your Senior Pastor and Rev. Keri Olsen-Paget as your Deacon Associate for Spiritual Formation for the 2026-27 year. Along with the rest of the staff, we look forward to being in ministry with you in this “new year”….
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