First Church has a long tradition of ministry with people living with HIV/AIDS, a ministry about support, hospitality, loving care, and advocacy.

Since AIDS was identified years ago, the face and story of the disease has changed dramatically; people with HIV are now living longer, better lives, but there still is no cure. Around the globe, the face of AIDS is increasingly poor and vulnerable, and the disease is affecting increasing numbers of women and people of color. AIDS also remains a disease that too often carries with itself judgment and stigmatization.

Our congregation has been involved in ministry with people with AIDS in a number of ways. Each year we sponsor an Easter and Thanksgiving dinner for residents of Josue House, a residential facility for adults with AIDS. Our Food Ministry collaborates with others in the AIDS community to meet basic needs of people living with the disease. Each year, church members participate in AIDS Walk San Diego. We also do a joint food drive with Congregation Beth Israel each Thanksgiving for Mama’s Kitchen, which provides meals to people living with HIV.

Church leaders help offer Strength for the Journey, an annual retreat the United Methodist Church sponsors for adults with HIV/AIDS, at Camp Cedar Glen in Julian.

We continue our partnership with Christie’s Place, the only organization in San Diego dedicated to serving women, children, and families with AIDS.

As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church, we join together in work toward eradicating preventable diseases like AIDS. We join our prayers and work with the efforts of others across the church as we imagine a future without AIDS.

We hope you will help us to continue to support ministry with people with AIDS through your support and prayers.

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Contact us:

Brenda Blake, Director Church and Community Work 619-297-4366, x125

Rev. Molly Vetter Minister of Justice and Outreach 619-297-4366, x131