As we move through and out of COVID-19, we continue to adjust and expand our worship options. On Sunday mornings we currently offer a live worship service and an online service at 10:00 AM. Just a reminder, please stay home and join the service via livestream if you feel under the weather in any way.
Worship is the time when we honor the God who created us and who gives us life. Our morning worship service has three “movements”: gathering, listening, and responding. As we gather in God’s name, we sing, pray, and greet one another. We listen for God’s guidance to be given through the children’s time, the choir anthem or other music, the scripture reading, and the pastor’s reflections. We respond to God’s love through prayer, through offering gifts, and through dedicating ourselves to Christ’s service.
Worship at PB UMC has a definite plan and structure, but the atmosphere is casual and informal. People dress as they are comfortable, anything from jeans to suits. Music includes traditional hymns, praise choruses, and gospel songs. The goal of worship is that people be drawn into an experience of God’s love and grace. Newcomers are always welcome.
In normal times, children come to worship for the first 15 or 20 minutes and have their own special time with the pastor. Then they are excused to the Sunday School room, where they learn Bible stories, play, read, share snacks, or do projects under the care of trusted adults. At about age 9, children are invited to become acolytes (candle lighters and worship assistants). Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the entire worship service, though some parents prefer to keep their babies with them in church. If babies are fussy or toddlers are busy, parents also have the option of participating in worship from the entry area, where windows and speakers allow access. Stay tuned for updates about Sunday School and nursery care and please contact the church office with any questions. 
We serve holy communion on the first Sunday of every month. The United Methodist tradition is to use grape juice (rather than wine) so that we might include children as well as those working to maintain sobriety. Everyone is welcome to share in communion; membership is not required.
Easter Sunday worship finds us gathered at sunrise around a bonfire at Crown Point Park on Mission Bay, eager to share the happy news that Christ is risen. We sing, share stories of Jesus’ resurrection, and allow our hope to awaken through our Easter greetings and prayers. Following sunrise worship back at church, pancakes are served and an Easter Egg Hunt takes place in our courtyard.
Baptisms are scheduled in consultation with the Pastor and are celebrated during the worship services (except in special circumstances when medical needs dictate other arrangements). We baptize babies, children, youth, and adults by sprinkling or pouring water on the heads of those being baptized.
Christian weddings have their foundation in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. Pastor Lori is happy to conduct wedding ceremonies for couples who are active in the life of the church, whether through service, worship, fellowship, or all of the above. If you are currently looking for a church home, and a Pastor to preside at your wedding, please visit one or more of PB UMC’s worship services; then you may feel free to contact Pastor Lori about your wedding plans. Here, as in all things, our welcoming statement is relevant:
As a Reconciling Congregation, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church welcomes all people, regardless of age, race, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical condition, sexual orientation, ethnic background, immigration status, or economic situation.
We are an equal opportunity congregation and our policies apply consistently to all.