First United Methodist Church - Fremont, CA

Fremont First is a warm, inclusive Christian Community in the heart of Fremont California. We invite diversity by respecting differing voices, views and experiences, yet we are unified by our mission: to manifest the love of Jesus Christ in the community and the world.

At Fremont First, we seek to follow Jesus’ teachings and example, especially the commandment to love our neighbor unconditionally. We invite you to join us in worship, in communion, in fellowship, in study and in service to others.

We welcome you and your family into the life of Fremont First, regardless of your skin color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capacity, religious background, family configuration, economic means or immigration status.

As the people of the United Methodist Church, we practice opening our hearts, opening our minds and opening our doors. You are welcome here.

Coronovirus News

In-person services and a number of events are being cancelled, postponed or moved online for at least 3 weeks, or until the shelter-in-place order ends.

Conditions are changing rapidly. We will be adjusting and adding new information as it becomes available. Please check this section and the calendar for updates.

• All Sunday morning gatherings are suspended until the shelter in place order is lifted, but we are offering a virtual service at 10 am via Zoom. Please contact Pastor Hee Soon if you would like to attend but have not yet received an invitation.
• The Sanctuary will be open on Sundays from 9am to 12pm. During these hours at any time you feel like praying in the sanctuary, please come and do so. You may also walk around the church with your prayers.  Please know that Brent will provide meditative and worshipful background music around 11:00am for about 20minutes.
• Pastor Hee Soon is sending her sermon out by email. It will also be available in our member area.
• Daily devotions may be helpful. The Methodist Parayer daily office is very nourishing.
• The Sanctuary is open for our Mid-Day Prayer on Wednesdays.
• Please contact Pastor Hee Soon if you need pastoral care.

Other changes:

• Our Prayer Bead class is suspended and has been moved online. If you’d like to join us, please contact Donna Potter.
• The Centering Prayer meetings are suspended but will be offered on Tuesdays via Zoom. Contact Pastor Hee Soon if you would like to attend.
• The 24 Hours Lenten study is suspended.
• Bible Conversation is suspended.
• Mid-week gatherings are generally suspended — Craftinators, Choir Practice, Bell Choir, etc. Please contact the organizer if you need more information.

If you have questions, please check with Pastor Hee Soon or the event organizer for more details.

• Coronavirus Preparedness and Resources
• Alameda County Shelter in Place Order, March 16 —
  Alameda County joined Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties with the City of Berkeley on a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17.  The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. Press Release, Public Health Dept. Notice

Message from Pastor Hee Soon
(condensed)
… Sunday worship service in person will be cancelled from this Sunday (3/22/20) until further notice.  I know that weekly public worship is an essential part of our method and a vital spiritual discipline.  We also recognize our need to gather for worship in times of anxiety and uncertainty.  However, now our public gathering may violate Wesley’s first general rule, which is “Do no harm.”

The service at Los Altos United Methodist Church (LAUMC) in our El Camino district will be available online, as our Bishop Carcano suggested. Please consider viewing their service until we can develop our own way. My sermon text will be available via email from this Sunday.

Most of our small groups are cancelled by the direction of the leaders. However, Midday Prayer Meeting on Wednesdays (11:00am-2:00pm) will be continued in the sanctuary.  I would like to offer One on One Bible study.  Please let me know if you are interested.

Social distancing can be isolating. I encourage you to make sure to stay connected.  I encourage you to call one another to check in, especially those who are vulnerable. We are going to be vigilant in caring for one another.  Please let me know at any time if you or someone you know need any pastoral care. … [Read Full Email]

Message from Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
As you may know, California Governor Gavin C. Newsom today requested that older adults, 65+, and people with chronic conditions that make them vulnerable to the Coronavirus, stay home for the time being to help avoid the spread of the Coronavirus.  I am aware that we have significant numbers of older adults and vulnerable persons among our laity and clergy and would request that we follow Governor Newsom’s request.  It is time to consider what is best for the common good.

LGBTQ News

A  Special Called General Conference of the United Methodist Church was held February 23-26 to deal with one issue — whether the United Methodist Church will be fully inclusive of LGBTQ persons. For updates and outcomes, please see this page.

Messages from our Bishop on the Methodist Church LGBTQ Discussions

Officials of the United Methodist Church have announced that the United Methodists will probably split into two separate denominations over LGBTQ marriage and ordination. One will be conservative and the other progressive. A final decision will be made in May. We will be linking to news from our Bishop on this issue.

Diverse Leaders’ Group Offers Separation Plan, January 3, 2020
A diverse, 16-member group of United Methodist bishops and other leaders has offered a proposal that would preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination. … Details are in a nine-page “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation,” released Jan. 3 along with an FAQ and press release. [ Read More ]

Bishop Carcaño Statement on UMC Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, January 3, 2020
Early this morning the work of a group of faithful leaders of our United Methodist Church pertaining to the division that we continue to experience over whether LGBTQ+ persons will be fully included in the life and ministry of The UMC was released. While it is not solely the work of the Council of Bishops, it is work that has had the full support and engagement of the Council.  … [ Read More ]

Property Development.

FUMC is planning to build a social hall on the unused portion of our property.  We had a community meeting on August 22, 2019 to introduce the project to the community, answer questions, and solicit input.  Please visit our Property Development page for more information.

Our Doors are Wide Open to Everyone.