 Our commitment to justice doesn't stop when the service ends.If you’ve been looking for a way to turn your values into tangible policy changes, mark your calendars for a high-impact Second Hour session on May 24th.
We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Mendiola, our new community organizer from the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP). This isn't just a "meet and greet"—it’s a roadmap for how we, as a congregation, can defend democracy through strategic community action. First UU is a member congregation of SDOP, a diverse, multi-faith grassroots network that empowers over 30,000 families to bridge community divides and advocate for racial and economic justice across San Diego County. Why Attend? The landscape of advocacy is constantly shifting. Ashley will provide us with an inside look at emerging strategies and the specific legislation currently on the horizon. This session is designed to bridge the gap between wanting change and knowing how to make it happen. During this session, we will:
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Our values of equity and justice are only as strong as our willingness to defend them. Let’s learn how to shape policies that reflect the world we want to build. We look forward to seeing you in the Common Room for this vital conversation.
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 Faith isn't just found in the sanctuary; sometimes, it’s found on the pavement.
Every other month, on the fourth Sunday, our South Bay community steps outside our usual routine to dedicate our worship to social justice. On May 24th, we are moving our service from the pews to the gates of the Otay Mesa Detention Center (OMDC). We aren’t just "showing up"—we are joining local community organizations for a powerful vigil to stand in solidarity and practice the essential act of bearing witness. Why We Bear Witness Social justice work can often feel like a series of abstract policies and distant debates. Bearing witness changes that. It grounds our advocacy in real human experience and ensures that the people within the system are not forgotten. By being present, we:
Event Details Please note that there will be no South Bay service at our usual time or location on this day. We invite everyone to meet us directly at the detention center.
What to Expect This vigil is a collaborative effort hosted by local community organizations. It will be a time of reflection, solidarity, and quiet presence. While more information will be shared as we get closer to the date, we encourage you to come with an open heart and a commitment to standing with our neighbors. Note: Please dress comfortably for the outdoors and consider carpooling, as parking near the facility can be limited. Let’s take our worship where it’s needed most. See you at Otay Mesa.  For months, our congregation has proudly partnered with the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) in the FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment in Trust & Hope) program to accompany immigrants to immigration court or ICE check-in. On May 8, a small but mighty delegation from FAITH—including Bishop Michael Pham, Fr. Scott Santarosa, SJ, Patrick Corrigan, Nancy Natilson, and Dcn. Chris Hulburt—stepped into a meeting that could change the way we do our work in San Diego.
They sat down with three Commanders of the Federal Protective Service (FPS): Cmdr. Chris Clanor, Cmdr. John Rodriguez, and Cmdr. Kevin Rankin. The vibe? Professional, courteous, and surprisingly eager to help. Here is the breakdown of what you need to know as we continue our mission at the San Diego Federal Building Complex. Cleaning Up the "Grey Shirt" Conduct FAITH didn’t hold back. Nancy shared her personal accounts of verbal abuse and vulgar language from the private security guards (the "grey shirts") at the front door. Patrick followed up with a story of a guard claiming to be a "federal agent." The verdict: The FPS commanders were visibly upset. They confirmed that this behavior is intolerable and promised to take action. Pro-Tip for Volunteers: If you feel threatened or intimidated by anyone in the building—whether it’s a security guard or an ICE agent—you have two clear options:
Know Your Rights: Praying and Meditation are Not Loitering This is the big win. Cmdr. Clanor, the officer responsible for the entire San Diego federal complex, clarified a major point of contention:
A Dose of Reality: Public Spaces and Privacy FAITH brought up the fact that federal agents have been following, photographing, and videotaping our volunteers. While it feels invasive, Cmdr. Clanor was direct: they can’t stop it. In a public space, anyone can be recorded or followed. It’s a bit of a "nature of the beast" situation, so stay focused on the mission and don't let it rattle you. The Road Ahead: The "Leasing Agencies" While we’ve secured the hallways, the rooms inside the building are a different story. Spaces like the ICE waiting room and the courtrooms are controlled by "leasing agencies" (ICE, EOIR, IRS, etc.). To get the same level of clarity for those specific rooms, we’ll need to schedule separate meetings with those agencies. We’re on it. The bottom line? You have the right to be there, you have the right to pray, and the highest security authority in the building has our back. Keep wearing those buttons with pride—we’re making a difference, one hallway at a time.  This June, Rainbow Action is taking our community spirit on the road! In celebration of Pride Month, we are gathering at the South Bay campus for a special afternoon of food, fun, and connection.
Please note that this event will be held in place of our regular service on Sunday, June 21st. We invite everyone—and we mean everyone of all ages—to join us as we build relationships and strengthen our community bonds in a relaxed, joyful setting. Event Details
What to Bring To make this a true community celebration, we encourage you to bring:
Why Join Us? This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Pride Month by doing what we do best: creating an inclusive space where everyone belongs. Whether you’ve been part of the congregation for decades or are looking to connect for the first time, we can’t wait to see you there. Questions? For more information or to get the specific location details, please contact Louise ([email protected]). We look forward to a beautiful day of play and community in the South Bay!  Looking to add a little friendly competition (and a lot of laughter) to your Sunday? Whether you’re a grandmaster strategist or just looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, we’ve got a seat at the table for you.
Rainbow Action is thrilled to host Game Day during the Second Hour on the fourth Sunday of the month. The best part? This event is for everyone and anyone. We mean it—all ages, all skill levels, and all neighbors are welcome to join the fun! What to Bring While we’ll have some classics on hand, we encourage you to bring your favorite games to share. From tabletop RPGs and complex strategy boards to quick card games or even a nostalgic round of Candy Land, bring whatever sparks joy (and maybe a little bit of competitive spirit). Mark Your Calendars We’ll be gathering in Bard Hall on the following dates:
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Come ready for some fun, meet some new faces, and let’s make the most of our time together. We can't wait to see what games you bring to the table. See you in Bard Hall!  At First UU, we believe in the power of community and the beauty of standing together for justice and love. This year, we have a wonderful opportunity to put those values into action alongside our neighbors!
Our siblings at Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Santee have extended a warm invitation to all members of First UU to join them in marching at the Santee Pride Parade on May 30th. Why Join Us? This is more than just a parade; it’s a chance to build bridges. By marching together, we can:
Event Details
Interested in Walking With Us? If you are interested in attending or have questions about where the First UU group will be meeting, please contact Louise. We can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you and our friends at Summit UU!  A new Wisdom Circle is forming and will meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 pm, beginning Thursday, May 28. Rev. Justine will host the gatherings on our Hillcrest campus; the precise location will be announced soon. The group will meet in May, June, and July, take a break in August, and resume in the fall.
If you’re interested, please reach out directly to Rev. Justine. About Wisdom Circles Wisdom Circles are facilitated, covenant-based, intentional small-group conversations centered on common themes connected to the exploration of spirituality and finding balance in our lives. These conversations create opportunities for faith formation, trust-building within community, and a deeper understanding of larger issues related to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. Each group includes between six and ten participants, and participants are encouraged to attend each monthly meeting, as trust is built through intentional, regular participation. Testimonials “I have been part of a Wisdom Circle, with its many different names, for at least 15 years - pretty much when they were started ... Meeting once a month, is something I treasure, and the folk who are part of my Wisdom Circle are becoming good friends. This I like, and I feel the others do, too. We have a mutual bond, and enjoy recognizing each other in our various other meetings. We learn from each other, and have a better understanding of each other's lives ... I find my Wisdom Circle is a necessary part of my being, something to honor, and enjoy, and discuss with other people in other Wisdom Circles!” - Caroline Clark "I think the Wisdom Circles are an excellent way for members of the church to form new friendships, voice their views on important topics in a non-judgmental setting, and welcome newcomers to our church to UU principles.... I highly recommend joining a Wisdom Circle as an excellent way for new members to make friends in a little more intimate way than Social Hour on Sunday morning ... and for more settled members to enjoy an experience of focused conversation and even enlightenment. " - Betsy Stevens |
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(619) 298-9978
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103 | South Bay campus: Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
For GPS to our Hillcrest Campus, please use 298 W Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92103
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103 | South Bay campus: Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
For GPS to our Hillcrest Campus, please use 298 W Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92103
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
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