Groups, programs, committees and more
First Church is an ever-changing, growing, dynamic campus and this page offers a directory of many of our groups in alphabetical order.
Archives: preserving the church history.
Art Guild: bringing beauty and culture to church in the form of diverse art, exhibits and discussion groups.
Buddhist Sangha: a teaching, learning, and sharing spiritual community of Buddhist study and practice.
Caregivers/Allies Support Group: a group for reflection, emotional support, and spiritual deepening around the issues that surface for people in the position of being a caregiver/ally/support for another person. For details see The Window.
Caring (formerly the Practical Care Network): provides services to church members in need such as rides to church or medical appointments; visits by phone or at home, and errands and chores for the homebound.
Christian Study Group: studying Jewish and Christian traditions through book discussions, film screenings, lectures, and centering prayer.
Climate Justice: creating a spiritually-grounded, informed, and action-oriented community to stop climate change.
Connections: hosts the Welcome Table, orientation sessions, greeters, nametags, and visitor follow-up. For details see The Window.
Coping with Chronic Conditions: a support group for church members and friends who deal with chronic and long-term physical conditions. For info contact Chris Smith (619) 300-7477 | chris.smith7@cox.net. For current meeting info see The Window.
Cosmos: exploring the scientific story of the birth and evolution of the universe for knowledge and inspiration to fulfill the promise of humanity, the whole earth community, and the universe itself. For details see The Window.
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans: holds rituals, drumming, prayer circles, labyrinth walking, pagan classes and more.
Dances of Universal Peace: no experience necessary to join this group to use sacred chant, song, simple circle dances, and music to create an opportunity where hearts can open, spirits can soar, and a deeply rooted peace can be experienced. For details see The Window.
Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM): providing support and advocacy for People of Color as well as leadership for creating an anti-racist UU identity and practice. For DRUUMM POC meeting info visit our Journey Toward Wholeness page.
Dynamic Duos: sponsors social and educational activities for First UU adults of all ages and orientations, usually about three times a year. For details see The Window.
Friends of deBenneville Pines: supports our church camp and conference center in the San Bernardino mountains through fundraising, publicity, and hands-on projects.
Helen Meyers Forum: arranges and publicizes special church programs, “for the purpose of providing lectures and sermons by outstanding Unitarian ministers and lay people, by meeting transportation costs, fees and expense needs thereof.”
Hillcrest Folk Song Circle: bring your acoustic instrument or voice to teach, perform, or request a song. For details see The Window.
Journey Toward Wholeness: implements the congregation’s anti-racism, anti-oppression commitment on a church-wide basis.
JUUL Tones Vocal Ensemble: a small, multi-age, a cappella vocal ensemble singing in a variety of styles at services and special events.
Lay Ministry: a group of lay leaders in the Caring Team who provide cards, make phone calls offering support and information and connect members and friends. Any congregant who would like to talk to a Lay Minister in invited to call the Pastoral Care cellphone at (619) 370-0891. For more details see our Caring page.
Leadership Development: promotes leadership skills, assists with organizational development and recruits leadership school candidates.
Looking Glass Theatre: a multi-generational acting company dedicated to presenting theater which reflects UU beliefs and values.
Meditation: open, ongoing meetings to learn and practice seated, standing, and walking meditation.
Memory Matters: A gathering place for individuals with early memory loss, for those who worry about memory problems and forgetfulness, and for their care partners. Safely relax, share stories, discuss, socialize and learn, play games and other activities. This gathering is not only therapeutic and educational, it enables members to make new contacts, build trusted relationships, and learn how others deal with memory loss and its consequences. Ongoing, drop in. For dates and times see The Window or email Gay Hybertsen at hybertsen@att.net.
Men’s Fellowship (UUMF): personal support, intellectual stimulation, creative growth, spiritual deepening, and social outreach to the men of the church and community. For details see The Window.
Neighborhood Groups: coordinating social gatherings of UU neighbors for support and fellowship. For details see The Window.
Nominating Committee: - helps find eligible leaders to serve on the Board and Committees.
Organizing for Justice: advocating programs that deal with economic justice, poverty, affordable housing, healthcare, racism and more.
Rainbow Action: supports LGBTQ+ issues as well as AIDS awareness.
Reproductive Justice: informs the congregation and wider community in matters and activities concerning reproductive choices.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee: a voluntary, non-sectarian organization working to advance justice throughout the world.
UU Animal Ministry of San Diego
UU Humanist Book Discussion Group
Ushering: providing training and coordination for Sunday service ushers who ensure visitor safety and stock Meeting House supplies.
UU Seniors: an ongoing program for those of us in our latter years that focuses on living these years to the fullest. For details see The Window.
Art Guild: bringing beauty and culture to church in the form of diverse art, exhibits and discussion groups.
Buddhist Sangha: a teaching, learning, and sharing spiritual community of Buddhist study and practice.
Caregivers/Allies Support Group: a group for reflection, emotional support, and spiritual deepening around the issues that surface for people in the position of being a caregiver/ally/support for another person. For details see The Window.
Caring (formerly the Practical Care Network): provides services to church members in need such as rides to church or medical appointments; visits by phone or at home, and errands and chores for the homebound.
Christian Study Group: studying Jewish and Christian traditions through book discussions, film screenings, lectures, and centering prayer.
Climate Justice: creating a spiritually-grounded, informed, and action-oriented community to stop climate change.
Connections: hosts the Welcome Table, orientation sessions, greeters, nametags, and visitor follow-up. For details see The Window.
Coping with Chronic Conditions: a support group for church members and friends who deal with chronic and long-term physical conditions. For info contact Chris Smith (619) 300-7477 | chris.smith7@cox.net. For current meeting info see The Window.
Cosmos: exploring the scientific story of the birth and evolution of the universe for knowledge and inspiration to fulfill the promise of humanity, the whole earth community, and the universe itself. For details see The Window.
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans: holds rituals, drumming, prayer circles, labyrinth walking, pagan classes and more.
Dances of Universal Peace: no experience necessary to join this group to use sacred chant, song, simple circle dances, and music to create an opportunity where hearts can open, spirits can soar, and a deeply rooted peace can be experienced. For details see The Window.
Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM): providing support and advocacy for People of Color as well as leadership for creating an anti-racist UU identity and practice. For DRUUMM POC meeting info visit our Journey Toward Wholeness page.
Dynamic Duos: sponsors social and educational activities for First UU adults of all ages and orientations, usually about three times a year. For details see The Window.
Friends of deBenneville Pines: supports our church camp and conference center in the San Bernardino mountains through fundraising, publicity, and hands-on projects.
Helen Meyers Forum: arranges and publicizes special church programs, “for the purpose of providing lectures and sermons by outstanding Unitarian ministers and lay people, by meeting transportation costs, fees and expense needs thereof.”
Hillcrest Folk Song Circle: bring your acoustic instrument or voice to teach, perform, or request a song. For details see The Window.
Journey Toward Wholeness: implements the congregation’s anti-racism, anti-oppression commitment on a church-wide basis.
JUUL Tones Vocal Ensemble: a small, multi-age, a cappella vocal ensemble singing in a variety of styles at services and special events.
Lay Ministry: a group of lay leaders in the Caring Team who provide cards, make phone calls offering support and information and connect members and friends. Any congregant who would like to talk to a Lay Minister in invited to call the Pastoral Care cellphone at (619) 370-0891. For more details see our Caring page.
Leadership Development: promotes leadership skills, assists with organizational development and recruits leadership school candidates.
Looking Glass Theatre: a multi-generational acting company dedicated to presenting theater which reflects UU beliefs and values.
Meditation: open, ongoing meetings to learn and practice seated, standing, and walking meditation.
Memory Matters: A gathering place for individuals with early memory loss, for those who worry about memory problems and forgetfulness, and for their care partners. Safely relax, share stories, discuss, socialize and learn, play games and other activities. This gathering is not only therapeutic and educational, it enables members to make new contacts, build trusted relationships, and learn how others deal with memory loss and its consequences. Ongoing, drop in. For dates and times see The Window or email Gay Hybertsen at hybertsen@att.net.
Men’s Fellowship (UUMF): personal support, intellectual stimulation, creative growth, spiritual deepening, and social outreach to the men of the church and community. For details see The Window.
Neighborhood Groups: coordinating social gatherings of UU neighbors for support and fellowship. For details see The Window.
Nominating Committee: - helps find eligible leaders to serve on the Board and Committees.
Organizing for Justice: advocating programs that deal with economic justice, poverty, affordable housing, healthcare, racism and more.
Rainbow Action: supports LGBTQ+ issues as well as AIDS awareness.
Reproductive Justice: informs the congregation and wider community in matters and activities concerning reproductive choices.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee: a voluntary, non-sectarian organization working to advance justice throughout the world.
UU Animal Ministry of San Diego
UU Humanist Book Discussion Group
Ushering: providing training and coordination for Sunday service ushers who ensure visitor safety and stock Meeting House supplies.
UU Seniors: an ongoing program for those of us in our latter years that focuses on living these years to the fullest. For details see The Window.
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