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)
Second Sunday in Lent • Holy Communion •
March 1, 2026
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!
Lent is the 40-day period (not including Sundays), beginning with Ash Wednesday (February 18) and ending with the celebration of Easter (April 5). The 40 days is a symbolic reminder of Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness following his baptism. We are providing a full schedule of opportunities to observe a holy and meaningful Lent at First UMC.
Visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/lent
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
This Sunday!
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
“What wilderness do you find yourself in this Lenten season? Are you being tempted to give in to the darkness that overshadows us? Or do we share our fear, anxiety and pain with God? Jesus himself faced his time of testing in the wilderness for 40 days. Now it is our turn. Just as Jesus trusted in God, so can we. God hears our cries in the darkness and will provide a place of refuge for us. Do not fear the tests that are placed before us. We shall find our way out of the wilderness. Amen.”
– Rev. Greg Batson, excerpt from “God in Darkness and Light: Wilderness” Sermon from Sunday, February 22, 2026. Listen to 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: March 2026, by Pastor Greg Batson
We are in the middle of our Lenten journey this month which will culminate with the celebration of Easter on April 5. As we search for God in darkness and light, there are a number of ways we can engage our faith: participating in worship and the Lenten Study, reading a daily devotional, and offering our time in service to the community.
One way I am experiencing this journey is through the psalms. Each psalm offers a deep well of emotion and wisdom that we can access. Psalm 139 is a good example:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and rise up;
You discern my thoughts from far away. (vs. 1-2)
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