First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica

09/04/2026

From Pastor Greg: We unofficially kick off the fall season this weekend with the celebration of Labor Day (astronomically we don’t begin autumn until the equinox on September 22). Summer vacations are now over as students have returned to school. It is a return to a busier season for the church too; our calendar is filled with activities and ministry opportunities through the Christmas season. If summer is the time to get away for rest and renewal, then fall is the time to reconnect.

Our scripture today from the Gospel of Matthew is about connection and community. Jesus includes this teaching: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (vs 18:20) When we gather together in the name of Christ, whether it's two people or two thousand, we experience his presence with us. While we can have a spiritual experience individually, we also experience it in community. Here Jesus teaches us that he is present when we share our journey of faith with others, and that is a great comfort. Jesus is with us when we are with one another.

As we gather this Sunday, Christ will be with us in the songs we sing, the prayers we pray, in the scripture we hear, and in the bread and cup of Holy Communion that we share. I also believe that Christ will be present in the fellowship that we share at the Ice Cream Social that follows, hosted by the United Women in Faith. See you Sunday!

09/02/2026

08/28/2026

Friends,

As the back-to-school season settles in, there’s a tangible energy in our community—from new classroom routines to the changing traffic patterns. It’s a season that reminds us of the importance of connection and the ways we can support one another.

This Sunday, August 30, our worship will focus on Romans 12:9-21 as we explore the theme "Blessed To Be a Blessing." We are also excited to include the "Back to School Blessings" during our children’s message and will be passing out blessing tags for backpacks. This is a beautiful tradition that allows us to carry God’s blessing and the love of our church family into the new school year.

I also invite you to stay after worship for our Youth Service Project Lunch and Reportback. We look forward to hearing the team's stories, seeing their pictures, and learning more about their week in Johnson County, Tennessee, with the Appalachia Service Project.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Blessings,

Tricia Guerrero
..

08/26/2026

Serving our neighbors with love! Huge thanks to our First UMC Santa Monica volunteers who packed and prepped food at the Westside Food Bank today. Want to lend a hand? We go back every month so you can join us for our next serve day on September 23rd!

08/25/2026

Earlier this week, Hurricane Lala moved past the Hawaiian Islands, leaving damage in its path. Hawaii Island is currently reporting the most damage, including our church, Na'alehu UMC, at Southpoint. The church and surrounding area experienced flooding, and many lost their homes and businesses.

08/21/2026

We continue our reading of Paul’s Letter to the Romans this Sunday with a focus on spiritual gifts. When we are baptized, we become part of the universal church, the Body of Christ. Wherever we are, from that time forward, we are unified as Christians. Yet we still maintain our uniqueness, even as we are unified in Christ. To make his point, Paul likens the Body of Christ to a living organism. “We have many parts in one body,” he writes, “but the parts don’t all have the same functions. In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other” (Rom 12:4-5). Just as the body is made up of different organs and structures – heart, lungs, brain, muscles, nerves, skin – so is the church comprised of different people with different gifts and functions.

Some have the gift of teaching. Some have the gift of mercy and compassion for others in need. Some have the gift of hospitality, making a space for all to be welcomed. Some are the hands and feet of Christ through the gift of service. Every one of us has been given a spiritual gift by God. Part of our spiritual journey is to discover and claim those gifts so that we might employ them on behalf of God.

Pastor Greg..

08/20/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to connect and recharge? Join Pastor Greg for Reflect—our monthly informal worship service designed for prayer, scripture, art, and community. All are welcome!

Date: Sunday, August 23

5:00 PM: Informal worship in Simkins Hall (includes prayer, scripture, reflection on a classic work of art, and Holy Communion)

6:00 PM: Community meal

Come as you are, worship together, and stay for dinner!