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)
13th Sunday after Pentecost • August 23, 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 one of the fundamental beliefs of our faith. When we are baptized, we become part of the universal church, the Body of Christ. Wherever we are, whenever it is, from that time forward, we are unified as Christians. When Paul wrote to these churches, they were a very small minority of the population. In fact, they were persecuted, for it was strange to have Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slave and free together in one belief. Paul tells them they are indeed different: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God” (Rom 12:2). Their lives were now very different, just as ours are here. We work and live in the world around us, but we have been transformed by our faith in Jesus Christ. We have been transformed into new beings: followers of Jesus Christ…..”
– Rev. Greg Batson, excerpt from “Spiritual Gifts” Sermon from Sunday, August 23, 2026. Read the sermon
STAY CONNECTED
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monthly newsletter, Children and Family email, and more!
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Horizons: September 2026, by Pastor Greg Batson
“The arts have always been an important element of Christian spirituality. We make connections to God through our creativity such as music, the visual arts, theater, and dance. We have a rich tradition of ministry in the arts here at Santa Monica First UMC. We feature visual art exhibits throughout the year in the Fireside Room. Our worship features great choral music by our Chancel Choir and classical organ works by Ty Woodward. As we enter the fall season, there are a couple of opportunities that I wish to highlight….
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