Staff

At First Church, you will find a place where you can grow spiritually and contribute to the mission of bringing God's love into our community. If you are looking for a church home for yourself or your family, please visit one of our worship services or learn more about our church here.

In the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley community, we are a congregation that welcomes all people. Whether you're looking for grief support groups or ministries, giving opportunities or current events in our community, First United Methodist Church San Diego has something for you.

To help you get to know us better, we offer information on everything from our FUMCSD staff, ministries and worship services to where to find us. If you would like to learn more about who we are, please scroll down and get to know our diverse and knowledgable team. On our FUMCSD team, you will find our Pastors, Spiritual Growth leaders, Music Ministry staff, Administration, Communications leaders, Facilities staff, and our Children's Growing Center staff. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. Our FUMCSD staff looks forward to hearing from you.

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Rev. Trudy Robinson

Rev. Trudy Robinson

Lead Pastoroffice: 619-297-4366 ext. 139

I am a Southern Californian. Born and raised in West Covina, California, the daughter of two wonderful parents, the baby sister to five siblings. As an elementary student, I experienced the church as a caring and safe place. As a teenager, I learned that the love of God everyone was talking about, applied to me, too. As a young adult, I realized that I had gifts that God could use to make the world a better place. Eventually I realized those gifts could be for ministry.

I am a United Methodist. Studied and graduated from the Iliff School of Theology. Ordained elder in the Rocky Mountain (Legacy) Conference and served churches in Westminster and Loveland, CO, Cheyenne, WY and back to Colorado to serve in Littleton and in 2020, came home to Southern California, San Diego. I believe in the Methodist tradition in which scripture, tradition, experience and reason are employed to understand God and the divine-human relationship. I believe in John Wesley’s insistence that faith be put into action as there is no holiness apart from social holiness. I believe in God’s grace, which is shorthand for forgiveness, love, mercy and the endless elicitation to have each of us become our whole, best selves.

I am the Lead Pastor for First UMC of San Diego. Historic and faithful, First Church has been actively engaged in the San Diego region for over 150 years. During the covid pandemic, we are bringing faith to people’s homes all over the world and empowering people to live with faith and hope, while serving others, wherever they may be.

I am a New Grandmother. Joy-filled and enchanted by the mere thought of my granddaughter. Proud and delighted by my two daughters, and son-in-law. My constant and faithful companions are my Golden Retriever Lucy and my tabby cat Gus.