Methodism & Church Membership

"New Beginnings" Membership Classes 2024

New Beginnings is the class for people interested in becoming a member and learning more about First Church and Methodism. Participants will get to know each other and meet the pastoral team, staff and leaders of the church.  We also offer a choice of online classes: see all dates below.

 

In-person 2024 class dates:

We will meet  in Linder Lounge, Mission Valley Campus, on Sundays from 12:15 - 2 PM. Lunch will be provided  and we offer free Childcare. If you are new to Methodism or would like to know more about First Church, please view the online resources listed below, prior to this one time, 2-hour session. During our in-person gathering, presenters will highlight a few key points, followed by Q & A.   

  • Tour of the Mission Valley sanctuary & First Church History  (in-person only) 
  • Wesleyan History, United Methodist Theology & Discipleship  
  • United Methodist Connection  
  • First Church’s Vision & Ministry Opportunities  
  • Membership Next Steps and Vows   

 Online 2024 class dates:

We will meet online via Zoom on Mondays at 5-6:30 PM. Please RSVP to receive your Zoom invitation.

If you are new to Methodism or would like to know more about First Church, please view the online resources listed below, prior to this one time, 1.5-hour session. During which the presenters will highlight a few key points, followed by Q & A.   

  • Wesleyan History, United Methodist Theology & Discipleship  
  • United Methodist Connection  
  • First Church’s Vision & Ministry Opportunities  
  • Membership Next Steps and Vows   

 

RESOURCES TO REVIEW BEFORE MEETING DATE 

Sanctuary Tour & History of First United Methodist Church of San Diego 

Guide to the sanctuary  (PDF)

FUMCSD Highlights 1869-2009 (PDF)

mission valley campus map (PDF)  

Wesleyan History, United Methodist Theology & Discipleship 

UMC brief history (PDF): recommended, but not required for transfer members 

Life of John Wesley (video link) 

United Methodist Theology & Discipleship 

Theological Foundation: "grace” 

Sacraments as the means of grace
Baptism 

Baptism at different ages

The Baptismal Font  (video link)

communion  

the difference of sin & sins 

the Communion  (video link)

The Bread & the Cup  (video link)

Our Four Theological Guidelines

4 THEOLOGICAL GUIDELINES 

 United Methodist Connection  

Connection makes the umc work

Additional resource in podcast format