Our fair gives you a better alternative to Christmas shopping!
You are invited to "purchase" symbolic gifts which will fund our Ministries of Compassion and Justice work. We will give you a gift card to give your loved one, and the price of what you would have spent on more stuff will enable amazing things to happen for others.
Join us in Linder Hall Sundays, December 5 and 12, 10 - 11 AM for the Annual Alternative Christmas Gift Fair. Our online store is open now through Christmas.
To purchase gifts online, scroll to the bottom of this page and select the "Purchase Gifts Online" button.
The Border Church/La Iglesia Fronteriza
Border Church/La Iglesia Fronteriza promotes sacred and sacramental presence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border as a witness to Christ’s solidarity with the peoples of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. The Border Church team in Mexico works closely with its fiscal sponsor, the non-profit organization Via International, to support migrants and deportees seeking to establish self-reliant communities in Tijuana.
The Border Church/La Iglesia Fronteriza Border Church/La Iglesia Fronteriza promotes sacred and sacramental presence on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border as a witness to Christ’s solidarity with the peoples of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. The Border Church team in Mexico works closely with its fiscal sponsor, the non-profit organization Via International, to support migrants and deportees seeking to establish self-reliant communities in Tijuana.
Food Ministry - Wesley UMC
First Church has a long-standing relationship with Wesley UMC to meet the needs of hungry people by distributing food. We provide fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, milk and eggs to over 150 individuals and families every week - meeting their physical needs with food and their spiritual needs with God’s love.
Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry - Ocean Beach
Each week OBEFI provides pre-packed bags of groceries to 130-150 food insecure people in the OB and Point Loma area. This is more than a 100% increase in demand since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Food Bank is Gold Certified for its healthy food options. We rely on donations of food and money to ensure we can be successful in our mission of being an emergency food.
Interfaith Shelter
The Interfaith Shelter Network is a cold weather shelter that operates from approximately October through April. Each year First Church participates in a two-week long rotation and several of our rooms become home for 12 to 15 people who are working toward finding permanent housing. We provide a safe place for them to sleep, eat, and shower.
New Entra Casa
New Entra Casa is a residence in North Park where recently incarcerated women can find sanctuary while they rebuild their lives by finding employment and schooling. Upon leaving this house, a woman is ready to take her place as a contributing member of the community. Our United Methodist Women have supported this house since its founding in 1972.
PUMA Mission for Christie’s Place
The Proud United Methodist Alliance (PUMA) is an inclusive Christian fellowship of LGBTQIA++ members and Allies within First United Methodist Church of San Diego. PUMA partners with Christie’s Place, an organization working to strengthen the health and resilience of women, children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS in San Diego. PUMA provides donations of hygiene goods throughout the year to distribute to women and families. PUMA also works with Christie’s Place to support morale events (like Thanksgiving and holiday parties) with monetary donations, gifts, and our volunteer efforts.
Refugee Ministries
First Church has partnered with Christ Ministry Center and the Safe Harbors Network to provide emergency resource support for refugees and asylum seekers in the San Diego area. We help meet the immediate needs of individuals as they seek to create a stable life in their new home country.
Shoes That Fit
This nationwide charitable program provides shoes and clothing for low-income students. Your gift will provide shoes and socks to students who are recommended by their nurse or counselor at several local elementary schools.
Rev. Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi Tanzania Missionary, Africa
Rev. Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi serves as the Director of Church Development and Evangelism for the UMC Tanzania, Superintendent of the Dar as Salaam District and the legal representative in Tanzania of the Bishop of North Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He and his wife, Kabaka Noala Alphonsine (also a missionary), work in Christian education and health information, especially related to HIV/AIDS including reaching out to refugees. They are currently building a new church, school, hospital and guest house for visiting missionaries
Racial Justice Endowment Fund
The Racial Justice Endowment was established in 2020 as one of several tangible steps First Church can take to combat racism in our community. Each year, earnings from the Endowment support the Racial Justice Grants program that provides funding, volunteer support, and awareness to San Diego nonprofits that: 1) advocate for anti-racist policy and practices, and/or, 2) provide direct service to Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color throughout the county. Gifts from the Alternative Gift Fair will help grow the Endowment, increasing the amount of grant money available to organizations each year. See the recipients of the 2021/22 grants.
Now open through Christmas