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)
5th Sunday of Easter • Holy Communion •
May 3, 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
“That is where we should start this Holy Week of 2026: finding peace within ourselves so that we can share that peace with others. We can do that through our prayers, our meditations upon the Word, and our presence in worship. When we share a final meal with Jesus and let him wash our feet on Maundy Thursday, it is an act of peace. When we hear him forgive those who persecute him, even as he hangs upon a cross, it is an act of peace. This is our pilgrimage for the week, our Walk for Peace as we follow the Prince of Peace into the city, waving palm branches, and shouting “Hosanna”. On the other side of the suffering awaits, but so does the hope of new life, and the peace that accompanies it. Amen.”
– Rev. Greg Batson, excerpt from “God in Darkness and Light: Turmoil” Sermon from Sunday, March 29, 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: May 2026, by Pastor Greg Batson
I hope you are enjoying this season of new life as we celebrate the Easter season, the 50-day period between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. This is the time when we put our faith into action, sharing the good news of Christ’s resurrection in our spiritual life. The season culminates with the observance of Pentecost on May 24th this year, signaling the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church….
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