First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica. God is real. God is love. Together we can change the world.

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 150 years.

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP: In-Person and Online

**We worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. in-person**
**in the Sanctuary each week.**
*(1008 11th St. Santa Monica, CA)*

**Click image above for**
**Youth Sunday • Moment for Mission •**
**February 8, 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!

GROUPS AND EVENTS

Feb Messy Church: New Time!
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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

A list of the on-going Mission and Outreach work at First UMC

As part of our 150th Anniversary celebration, the First UMC Archives Committee has opened the treasure chests of our past! From beautifully preserved photographs to cherished memorabilia, they’ve gathered pieces that tell the rich story of our 150 years at the heart of Santa Monica. This video features a selection of those historic images, along with heartfelt interviews from community members sharing their personal memories of First UMC. We hope you enjoy this tribute to the history and stories that have shaped our church for 150 years.

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

“…As we conclude the Christmas season and have welcomed in a new year, we yearn for an epiphany as well. One year ago, our community was devastated by the Palisades fire. Family members, friends and neighbors lost their homes, their businesses, their schools, their places of worship – everything. Coupled with the turmoil in our nation and the world, many were glad to see day goodbye to 2025. So, we look forward to this year with renewed hope: rain has replaced the Santa Ana winds, and the hills are green again with new growth. It is a time to rebuild, just as Isaiah promised two and half centuries ago: ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1).’”
– Rev. Greg Batson, excerpt from “Your Light Has Come” Sermon from Sunday, January 4, 2026. Listen to the sermon

STAY CONNECTED

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monthly newsletter, Children and Family email, and more!

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Horizons: February 2026, by Pastor Greg Batson

“It seems like only yesterday that we celebrated Christmas and Epiphany, but now we begin the season of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period (not including Sundays), beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with the celebration of Easter. This is the season for repentance and spiritual reflection. Our theme this year is “God in the Darkness and Light.” Our art work for this year’s Lenten Devotional reflects our search for God in the darkness while catching a glimmer of the first light of dawn. Our hope is to find God in both the most challenging and most joyful times of our lives. Through worship, meditation on the scriptures, and spiritual reflection, we invite you to undertake this journey of faith…..”

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