Opportunities to Give
Thank you so much for your generous support of the mission and ministries of our church!
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.
In this time of change and new growth, we are learning together how to become a Both/And Church, in-person AND online. We are finding life in worship, prayer, fellowship, and service. And we are giving life to one another and to those around us in mission outreach with our many community partners. As we write a new chapter in the 147+ year life of First UMC, we know that changing times demand new approaches and new commitments. Our financial foundation still requires extraordinarily generous giving from each and all of us.
Your participation is now more important than ever to fund all we do by giving to the 2023 General Fund and we appreciate your generous and faithful giving. Many have pledged during the annual pledge drive in November. But there is more that is needed. You may give online here, via mail, or onsite through the office mail slot. When you give to the 2023 General Fund, you support the life-giving and transformational ministries of First UMC Santa Monica.
You may also earmark gifts for community mission projects or specific ministries. 100 percent of the proceeds are given to the earmarked fund.
Thank you for your generosity.
You may use your credit card or make a bank account transfer to give your tithe or offering, support various ministries of the church and much more! You now have the option to create a registered account to set up a recurring donation and to manage your account securely from any computer, iPhone, iPad, or mobile devices with internet access. There are no extra charges for donations.
Checks can be made payable to FUMC with your designation in the memo line and mailed to First UMC Santa Monica 1008 11th St., Santa Monica, CA 90403.
Planned Giving – Join the Legacy Circle
A growing number of families in the church have committed to remembering First UMC or the affiliated Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica in their will and estate plans. The Planned Giving Committee invites YOU to take an active part in ensuring that the message of Christ continues in our community in perpetuity through the ministries of First United Methodist Church. You don’t have to provide any details or dollars of your exact plans to join the Legacy Circle – just your commitment, no matter the amount, is what’s important.
For more information on how to be part of this founding charter group visit the Planned Giving page. Click here to download the Detailed Information Sheet.
Commemorate with the Tree of Life
The First UMC Commemorative Tree of Life in the Fireside Room was started by our United Methodist Women to honor many of their leaders and members. It is now available to the congregation and makes a wonderful lasting gift and tribute. Leaves may be purchased in memory of a loved one or to commemorate significant events in the lives of church members. Funds raised through the Commemorative Tree of Life will be administered by the First UMC Trustees in support of the ministries of First UMC. Leaves are available at $500 per leaf. Text may be up to 5 lines, 28 letters/spaces per line in the current font size of the New Times Roman font. Please contact the church office for further information.
Missions and Outreach
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. Click here to read more
Flowers for the Sanctuary
Do you have a loved one you would like to dedicate flowers to on a given week? The church office can assist with the dedication and the cost is $80. Please reserve weeks in advance as the dedications often fill up. For more info, and to order, click here
Nicodemus Fund
Nicodemus – Patron Saint of Seekers. May he protect the seeker in each of us from condemnation and condescension. May he guide seekers’ steps in the way that leads to eternal life. May he place us in the company of compassionate teachers whose love defines a new community of hope and grace. May he give us courage to dare to love God with heart, mind, soul and strength.
A church fund was developed in 2002 called the Nicodemus Fund to provide small, no-interest loans to persons in relationship with the church. Loans are given at the pastors’ discretion pursuant to a written contract. Donors and recipients are anonymous. We hope you will donate towards this important ministry (select the fund in the drop-down menu)
Ways to Give By Shopping
Ralph’s Rewards Card
If you shop at Ralphs, we have a another simple way for you to give to First UMC. Under their Community Contribution program, Ralphs donates a portion of every dollar you spend to First UMC when you shop using your Ralphs Rewards Card number!
It’s that time of year to register (or re-register) for the Ralphs Community Contribution Program! When you register anytime and shop at Ralphs, First UMC receives a portion of every dollar you spend. The only way to enroll is to enroll online with your Ralphs rewards card number at www.ralphs.com; click on Community, click on Community Contributions, click on Enroll Now. If you don’t have computer access, call 1-800-443-4438 for assistance. Thank you for your continued support!